Prime Minister Mark Carney’s much-anticipated first day in China concluded without securing any significant breakthroughs on Canadian energy exports. On Thursday, Beijing did not offer any concrete commitments to purchase Canadian oil or liquefied natural gas.
Carney’s visit did, however, result in the renewal of several pre-existing, non-binding agreements aimed at fostering trade co-operation.
Carney witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on clean and conventional energy cooperation between Canada and China, but the agreement did not include any pledge that China would increase imports of Canadian oil or liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson signed the memorandum, which outlines plans to strengthen ministerial dialogue on oil and gas development, LNG and liquefied petroleum gas, and emissions reductions.
The memorandum stopped short of delivering the core commercial breakthrough Ottawa has been seeking to diversify exports away from the United States.
“They are very clear, they would like more Canadian products,” Hodgson told journalists in Beijing.
Carney’s first day in the Chinese capital included meetings with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and a flurry of sessions with business leaders, including Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd., a major manufacturer of electric vehicle batteries.
Carney also met with the state-owned China National Petroleum Corporation as the government looks to expand access for Canadian energy exports into Asia.
At a meeting with Li, Carney said teams in both countries have been working in recent months to address issues that “have built up over time” and to lay the foundation for what he described as a “new strategic partnership” between Canada and China.
Carney said recent progress could help both countries navigate what he called a changing international environment and “create greater stability, security, sustainability and prosperity.”
The energy agreement came as Carney faces pressure to deliver progress on trade irritants during the first official visit by a Canadian prime minister since 2017.
China imposed tariffs last year on Canadian agricultural products including pork, canola and seafood, after Canada placed tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles, steel and aluminum.
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said Wednesday that talks aimed at reducing those tariffs have been productive, but negotiations remain ongoing.
“The conversation has been productive,” Anand said.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe joined Carney for part of the Beijing visit, raising expectations of movement on access for Canadian canola.
Carney’s delegation also signed additional agreements on Thursday aimed at boosting Canadian pet food exports to China and increasing tourism between the two countries. Canada and China renewed an agreement to combat crime, including child sexual exploitation, transnational organized crime and money laundering.
Carney is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday. Both governments are framing the trip as an attempt to reset bilateral ties while managing ongoing disputes over trade, security and foreign influence.