Why Canada Is Pivoting to China (Level 1)

Last week, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney traveled to China. He met with President Xi Jinping to start a new partnership. This is a big change for Canada. For a long time, Canada worked mostly with the United States. However, relations with the US have become difficult recently. The two leaders agreed on a new trade deal. Canada will lower taxes on Chinese electric cars. This allows more Chinese cars to enter Canada. In return, China will buy more Canadian farming products, such as canola. China will also allow Canadian tourists to visit without a visa. Prime Minister Carney wants to help Canada’s economy. Farmers needed more people to buy their crops. Also, Carney believes that China is a stable partner right now. He says the relationship with the US is too unpredictable. Some people in Canada worry that cheap Chinese cars will hurt local businesses, but Carney believes this plan is necessary for the future.