Minister Joly speaks with China’s Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi

January 11, 2024 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today spoke with China’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi.

The Ministers exchanged views on a wide range of critical global and regional issues, including the Israel-Hamas conflict, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and ongoing challenges and opportunities in the Indo-Pacific region.

Minister Joly raised concrete priorities for forward collaboration, including fighting climate change and deepening our economic and people-to-people ties, for the benefit of citizens and businesses in both countries, and both ministers tasked their respective officials to advance next steps. 

Minister Joly highlighted that amidst an international security crisis, Canada will pursue pragmatic diplomacy. She reiterated that Canada will continue to uphold its interests and values, as described in Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, and defend the international rules-based order.

Both Ministers highlighted that despite recent challenges in the bilateral relationship, it is important to keep communication channels open.

Associated links

• Canada-China relations
• Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy