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Sino-Canada talks stall, China balks at too many trendy strings attached
来源：shippingazette.com 编辑：编辑部 发布：2017/12/07 09:56:46
CANADIAN Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is seeking a trade deal with China replete with "Canadian values" - labour rights, environmental protection and gender equality, reports The Associated Press.
But China balked at the conditions, ending substantive negotiations with the two parties opting to extend exploratory talks instead.
Premier Li Keqiang and Mr Trudeau cancelled a joint press conference, with each leader saying they would collaborate on climate change and clean growth, reported Bloomberg.
Said Mr Trudeau: "We're committed to progressive trade that puts people first and reflects Canadian values, especially when it comes to labour and the environment."
Mr Trudeau said he and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang had agreed to a joint statement on climate change and clean growth laying out a blueprint for close collaboration, including regular ministerial-level meetings.
Mr Li said the two countries will continue to work on exploratory talks and feasibility studies for a trade agreement, and that their discussions had also touched on human rights and the rule of law.
"Both sides should view that, due to the different national circumstances, it is only natural that we don't see eye-to-eye on some issues. As long as we act on the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, then we can seek mutual understanding and further promote this bilateral relationship," Mr Li said.
Mr Trudeau and Mr Li also presided over the signing of agreements on food imports, education and energy cooperation.
China has positioned itself as a leading advocate of free trade, particularly since President Donald Trump pulled the US out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a pan-Pacific trade deal.
Yet foreign businesses often complain that China closes many key areas to foreign investment, and Mr Xi is known to favour a centralised economic model with special support for state-owned industries.
Ties between China and Canada have long been close. Said Mr Li: "It's rare to have such a close, intimate relationship where we have mutual exchanges of visits along with such dialogues."
But China balked at the conditions, ending substantive negotiations with the two parties opting to extend exploratory talks instead.
Premier Li Keqiang and Mr Trudeau cancelled a joint press conference, with each leader saying they would collaborate on climate change and clean growth, reported Bloomberg.
Said Mr Trudeau: "We're committed to progressive trade that puts people first and reflects Canadian values, especially when it comes to labour and the environment."
Mr Trudeau said he and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang had agreed to a joint statement on climate change and clean growth laying out a blueprint for close collaboration, including regular ministerial-level meetings.
Mr Li said the two countries will continue to work on exploratory talks and feasibility studies for a trade agreement, and that their discussions had also touched on human rights and the rule of law.
"Both sides should view that, due to the different national circumstances, it is only natural that we don't see eye-to-eye on some issues. As long as we act on the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, then we can seek mutual understanding and further promote this bilateral relationship," Mr Li said.
Mr Trudeau and Mr Li also presided over the signing of agreements on food imports, education and energy cooperation.
China has positioned itself as a leading advocate of free trade, particularly since President Donald Trump pulled the US out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a pan-Pacific trade deal.
Yet foreign businesses often complain that China closes many key areas to foreign investment, and Mr Xi is known to favour a centralised economic model with special support for state-owned industries.
Ties between China and Canada have long been close. Said Mr Li: "It's rare to have such a close, intimate relationship where we have mutual exchanges of visits along with such dialogues."