China’s top diplomat Wang Yi will visit Canada tomorrow in the first visit by a Chinese foreign minister to the country in 10 years, as Beijing and Ottawa seek to deepen ties and build a new strategic partnership.

According to China’s foreign ministry, Wang will travel to Canada from May 28 to 30 for high-level talks focused on trade, diplomacy and bilateral cooperation.

Beijing Signals Closer Relations

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said the visit would help strengthen the improving momentum in China-Canada relations.

Beijing said both sides are working towards building a “new type of strategic partnership”.

The visit comes as Canada’s relations with the United States face growing strain over trade and global policy disagreements.

Trade And Diplomatic Momentum

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited Beijing earlier this year for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Following the visit, China eased some trade restrictions on Canadian goods while Ottawa agreed to expand imports of Chinese electric vehicles under preferential tariffs.

(with inputs from Reuters)