Beijing, 26 January 2026 – China has responded to rising tensions over its recent trade arrangements with Canada, saying the cooperation is strictly bilateral and not aimed at any “third parties,” amid sharp criticism, including threats of punitive tariffs from the United States.
In a statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Beijing emphasised that its agreements with Ottawa are focused on mutually beneficial economic cooperation and should not be interpreted as targeting other nations or deliberately undermining strategic partnerships elsewhere. The comment comes after U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Washington could impose 100 per cent tariffs on Canadian exports if Canada finalised a broader trade deal with China, language that sparked concern in Ottawa and Beijing alike.
Beijing framed its trade arrangements with Canada as part of efforts to deepen bilateral economic ties, including recent efforts to reduce tariffs on certain Canadian products and address longstanding trade issues, without implying any strategy directed at other global actors. Chinese officials stressed that cooperation should be inclusive and non-confrontational, rejecting the notion that economic engagement between two countries could be perceived as a threat to third parties.
The remarks were made amid a broader geopolitical backdrop in which Canada has also moved to clarify its trade stance, with Canadian leaders saying they do not intend to pursue a comprehensive free-trade agreement with China. Ottawa has instead focused on resolving specific tariff concerns without violating commitments under the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA).
The dispute highlights how economic diplomacy in North America and Asia is currently intersecting with geopolitical tensions, as governments seek to balance diversification of trade relationships with existing strategic alliances. China’s statement signals its intent to keep its economic partnerships framed around pragmatic cooperation rather than geopolitical confrontation
