1 MIN AGO: PM Carney’s GRAND China Welcome STUNS Washington — Trump Caught Off Guard

In a striking display of diplomatic pageantry, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney received a lavish official welcome in Beijing this week, marking the first visit by a Canadian leader to China in nearly a decade.

The red-carpet treatment, complete with high-level meetings, ceremonial handshakes, and symbolic gestures at the Great Hall of the People, stood in sharp contrast to the ongoing tensions between Ottawa and Washington.

Carney, who assumed office in 2025 following Justin Trudeau’s resignation amid political turmoil and U.S. trade pressures, met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang on January 15 and held talks with President Xi Jinping on January 16.

The leaders hailed a “new strategic partnership” focused on energy, agriculture, trade, and clean technology, signing multiple memorandums of understanding to rebuild ties strained since 2018.

The timing could not have been more pointed. As U.S. President Donald Trump continues to impose tariffs on Canadian goods and downplay Canada’s role in North American trade—while making provocative remarks about Canadian sovereignty—Beijing’s warm reception signals Canada’s growing maneuvering room on the global stage.

“This welcome underscores that Canada is treated as a sovereign partner with real weight, not an afterthought,” one analyst noted, highlighting the carefully staged symbolism that sent ripples through international relations.

The visit comes as Carney pushes to diversify exports away from the U.S., which accounts for over 75% of Canada’s trade, aiming to double non-American exports over the next decade.

Initial agreements include plans to slash tariffs on key commodities like Canadian canola and Chinese electric vehicles, reopening doors closed by previous retaliatory measures.

While full details of tariff reductions are still being finalized, the moves represent a significant step toward economic resilience amid “new global realities.”

The contrast with Washington’s approach was impossible to miss: while Trump leans on threats, China rolled out the red carpet. Observers say the grand reception has caught U.S. officials off guard, highlighting a quiet but profound shift in alliances.

The story is still unfolding, with potential for deeper cooperation in energy and agri-food sectors. As global trade disruptions intensify, this Beijing summit may prove a pivotal moment for Canada’s independent foreign policy.