China 'extends olive branch' to Canada to ease tariff tensions

China's ambassador to Canada says tariffs on Canadian goods are temporary and could be adjusted if Ottawa changes its allegedly discriminatory trade policies.

Mr. Wang Di and Ottawa Life magazine editor-in-chief Dan Donovan - Photo: Chinese Embassy in Canada

In an interview with Ottawa Life magazine editor-in-chief Don Donovan published on March 26, Chinese Ambassador to Canada Wang Di said that China's imposition of import tariffs on some Canadian products is not permanent but is a response to Ottawa's unilateral and discriminatory measures.

"The ball is in Canada's court"

Referring to the trade dispute between China, Canada and the US, he said that the tariffs imposed by Washington are not only aimed at China but also affect many countries, including Canada.

Mutual respect is a basic principle in international relations, and an indispensable foundation for building trust between countries, said the Chinese ambassador to Canada.

"No country can simultaneously seek to contain and pressure China and hope to maintain good relations with China," Mr. Wang said.

Regarding relations with the US, Mr. Wang emphasized that if the US shows goodwill to cooperate, China is willing to promote mutually beneficial relations. However, in case the pressure measures continue to be maintained, Beijing will have appropriate and decisive responses.

The Chinese ambassador also called on Canada to create a transparent, non-discriminatory and stable trade environment for businesses from both countries, and asserted that China's tariff measures are only temporary and not long-term.

"The ball is in Canada's court," Mr. Vuong said, adding that the direction of bilateral relations now depends on the Canadian government 's behavior and policies.

The Chinese ambassador also expressed his willingness to share high-quality development opportunities with Canada, but said this requires goodwill from both sides. Mr. Wang warned that cooperation opportunities between businesses of the two countries could be seriously affected if Canada continues to maintain unreasonable tariff measures.

US proposes building "North American fortress"

Previously, according to Bloomberg News, Canada and Mexico were considering adjusting their tariff policies towards China to be more in line with the US, in order to seek the possibility of reducing trade tensions with Washington.

In late February, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessen proposed building a "North American fortress" in which the three countries of Canada, the US and Mexico would apply a unified tax policy to control the flow of goods from China into the region.

Canadian Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc later also expressed his willingness to cooperate with Washington in developing measures to prevent cheap counterfeit Chinese goods in the North American market.

On March 24, the World Trade Organization (WTO) said it had received a complaint from Canada against China regarding Beijing's imposition of additional taxes on Canadian agricultural and aquatic products.

In the application, Canada requested consultations with China regarding the trade dispute arising from Beijing's imposition of additional import duties on certain goods.

Accordingly, China's tariffs announced earlier this month include surcharges of up to 100% on canola oil, oilcakes (animal feed) and peas imported from Canada. While seafood and pork products are also subject to a 25% tax.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/trung-quoc-chia-canh-o-liu-cho-canada-de-giam-cang-thang-thue-quan-20250326125243805.htm