BEIJING — China said Monday that its emerging trade agreement with Canada is not aimed at the United States, pushing back against Washington’s warning that the deal could trigger sweeping tariffs on Canadian goods.
The clarification comes after U.S. officials threatened to impose 100 per cent tariffs on Canadian products if the agreement moves forward, arguing it could allow Chinese goods to be routed into the American market.
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said the arrangement between Beijing and Ottawa should not be viewed through a geopolitical lens.
“China and Canada have established a new type of strategic partnership, and it does not target any third party,” Guo told reporters at a regular press briefing. He added that Beijing favours cooperation over confrontation and a “win-win” approach rather than zero-sum competition.
Deal announced during Carney’s China visit
The preliminary agreement was announced earlier this month during a visit to Beijing by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Under the deal, China is expected to lower tariffs on Canadian canola imports and allow visa-free travel for Canadian citizens.
The agreement comes as Canada seeks to diversify its trade relationships amid ongoing tensions with the United States.
U.S. warns of trade consequences
Over the weekend, U.S. President Donald Trump accused Ottawa of enabling China to “dump goods” into the United States through Canada, warning that any finalized deal could result in steep retaliatory tariffs.
On social media, Trump said talks between Canada and China amounted to Beijing “successfully and completely taking over” Canada.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent echoed those concerns, telling U.S. media that Washington could not allow Canada to become a gateway for low-cost Chinese exports entering the American market.
Trade tensions continue
Canada and the United States have remained locked in a trade dispute since the Trump administration imposed import duties on Canadian goods, straining a relationship long described as one of the world’s closest economic partnerships.
China, meanwhile, said it hopes Ottawa and Washington can manage their differences without escalating tensions.
“China believes countries should resolve differences through dialogue and cooperation,” Guo said, reiterating that Beijing’s engagement with Canada is not intended to undermine any other nation.
As trade pressures mount, the proposed Canada–China agreement has become the latest flashpoint in an increasingly complex global trade environment.