Justin Trudeau suggests China improve its image by tightening ties with Canada

Justin Trudeaudelivered amessageto powerful business leadersin Beijing on Tuesday, shortly after his planetouched down:China needs a little more Canada.

The prime minister tried to sell Chinaon the idea thatstrengthening itsconnectionto Canadawould ease international concernsabout the stunning rise of the economicsuperpower.

Trudeau made the pitchduring the first event of hisweek-long visit toChina, where he aims toimprove Canada'sgloomy growth prospects by deepening business ties with the rapidly growing Asian country.

"Around the world there is anxiety around trade, there is anxiety around China," Trudeau told a question-and-answer session at the China Entrepreneur Club.

Hesaid Canada is ina "position to help China position itself in a very positive way on the world stage."

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Trudeau argued it's becauseCanada ismoreopen to trade than many countries right now and becauseof its"deep friendship" with China that goes back generations.

Canada, Trudeau added,can help Chinawhen it comes to governanceand rule-of-law issues as well as globalfears aboutthe "tremendous appetite" of Chinese entrepreneurs and companiesas they seek outforeign investments and partnerships.

"This isn't always well received by populations and governments around the world,"he said.

"China should be and is confident and successfulenough to know that it should be able to ask for advice and take suggestions about how to be better for its citizens, better to build a greater future."

He only mentioned human rights once during an event that lasted longer than an hour.

Since last year's election win,Trudeau's Liberal government has taken a somewhat cautious approach to China amid public concerns in Canada over the country's human-rights record.

But this trip could move things forward.

The event was moderated byJack Ma, founder of the Alibaba e-commerce giant.

In his closing remarks, Ma predicted the Canadian-Chinesebond would grow stronger.

"We should be open to the world and open to the future," Ma said.

Trudeau to meet leaders Wednesday

Later Tuesday, Trudeau was expected to continue pursuing what he described as a "renewed relationship" ata dinner hosted by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

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He is scheduled to meet Li, the country's second-in-command,again on Wednesday as well as President Xi Jinping.

In response toa question, Trudeau also said Canada is looking "very favourably" at the possibility of joining the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. On Wednesday in Beijing, Finance Minister Bill Morneau will meet with the investmentbank's presidentJin Liqun.

Trudeau considering joining the AIIB

8 years ago

Duration 1:10

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tells an audience of Chinese business people that the Canadian government is considering joining the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

Later Tuesday, aspokeswoman for Trudeau elaborated on his remarks.

"Investments in infrastructure can contribute to long-term growth and help ensure a better quality of life for the middle class it's a belief that applies at home and abroad," Andree-Lyne Halle wrote in an email.

"As we carefully consider joining the (bank), we look at the impact these investments would have on global economic growth and the potential for Canadian companies to explore new commercial opportunities."

Last spring, the Chinese-led bank announcedits 57 intended charter members.

The United Stateshas expressed concern the bank will allow looser lending standards for the environment, labour rights and financial transparency. It could undercut the World Bank, where the U.S. has the most clout, and the Asian Development Bank, wherethe Americans arethe second-largest shareholder after Japan.

First visit as PM

Trudeau travelled to China for his first official visitwith wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau and seven-year-old daughter Ella-Grace.

Later in the trip, he will attend the G20 leaders' summit in Hangzhou. He will also visit Shanghai and Hong Kong.

The prime minister is joined on the visit by Morneau, Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Dion and International Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland.

Their main goalis to open the doorsto China a little wider.

"Any economic strategy that ignores China, or that treats that valuable relationship as anything less than critically important, is not just short-sighted, it's irresponsible,"Trudeau said.

"We know that a stronger and deeper relationship with China is essential if we are to achieve our own objectives to create Canadian jobs, to strengthen the middle classand to grow the Canadian economy."

Trudeau wants to strengthen Canada China relations

8 years ago

Duration 2:56

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addresses the China Entrepreneur Club Leader's Forum in Beijing and reflects on his trips to China with his father Pierre Elliott Trudeau.

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