China’s ambassador to Canada has cast doubt on Prime Minister Mark Carney’s assertion that Beijing has agreed to grant visa-free entry to Canadians, saying any such move remains under consideration and has yet to be formally announced. In an interview with The Canadian Press, Chinese Ambassador Wang Di said he was aware of Carney’s public comments but stressed that details of China’s visa policy must come through an official statement from Beijing. Carney told reporters during a Jan. 16 press conference in Beijing that President Xi Jinping had committed to ensuring visa-free access for Canadians travelling to China, a claim that has not been confirmed by Chinese authorities or state media. Wang declined to provide a timeline or conditions for any potential policy change, noting only that China has recently extended 30-day visa-free entry to citizens of dozens of countries. Canadians currently require visas to enter mainland China, while enjoying visa-free access to Hong Kong, Macau and Hainan. The prospect of eased travel rules has sparked interest among Chinese-Canadian travellers and travel agencies, even as officials urge patience until Beijing makes a formal announcement. The comments come amid gradual efforts by both governments to rebuild travel links after the pandemic, including increased flights and a new agreement to promote tourism tied to events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup.