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Canada-China Joint Initiatives and Agreements

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Ongoing discussions towards a comprehensive trade agreement: Building on progress from 2016, the two leaders successfully concluded the second Annual Leaders’ Dialogue where they discussed a variety of key issues and strengthened their bilateral relationship. Both sides agreed to continue exploratory discussions towards a comprehensive trade agreement to create more opportunities for people in both countries.

Joint Statement on Climate Change and Clean Growth: Together, the two leaders issued a joint statement on climate change and clean growth which highlights the ongoing bilateral collaboration and the potential for enhanced engagement, including establishing regular dialogue on issues such as the implementation of the Paris Agreement and promoting clean growth. Leaders also established the Ministerial Dialogue on Clean Energy and the Ministerial Dialogue on the Environment, and agreed to explore the establishment of a ministerial dialogue on climate change to serve as platforms to carry out policy exchanges, and support technical and commercial engagement that would speed up the transition to a cleaner, low-carbon economy. They also agreed to renew their bilateral Memorandum of Understanding on Environmental Cooperation and sign an action plan on energy cooperation.

Resolution of agrifood market access: Canada and China committed to fully implementing the 2016 agreement to expand market access for Canadian frozen bone-in beef, and Chinese filled grain products. Canada and China also agreed to start a pilot project for the export of Canadian chilled beef and pork.

Partnership on Natural Resources and Energy: Canada and China agreed to work together to reduce emissions, promote clean energy solutions, and support economic growth while protecting the environment. Both sides also underlined their support to establish new Sino-Canadian eco-districts and tall wood structures using Canadian wood products and energy efficient technologies. In addition, leaders agreed to launch the Canada-China Track II Energy Dialogue to provide advice and strengthen trade and investment between the two countries. Leaders also discussed ways to facilitate the supply of Canadian uranium to the Chinese nuclear energy market.

Continued law enforcement cooperation: The issue of illicit drug trafficking has no borders and bilateral law enforcement cooperation is essential to combatting the illicit manufacture and trafficking of fentanyl and other opioids. In the context of the National Security and Rule of Law Dialogue, the Prime Minister directed his officials to redouble their efforts regarding the threat of opioids. Canada welcomed China’s efforts to disrupt the illicit trafficking of fentanyl, including by classifying a number of different controlled substances under Chinese law and investigating leads provided by foreign law enforcement.

Enhanced youth engagement and education ties: Canada and China reiterated their support for further opportunities for youth exchanges and international education. Both leaders welcomed the signing of a memorandum of understanding concerning the Canada Learning Initiative in China (CLIC) in order to facilitate China’s ongoing funding of CLIC scholarships for Canadian post-secondary students. Canada indicated that it will provide $4.1 million over five years to support related initiatives, including $2.5 million to increase opportunities for Canadian youth to study in China, and $1.6 million for youth internships at Canadian missions in China.

Stronger cooperation on defence and security: Canada and China will continue to strengthen military-to-military interactions, including through a Royal Canadian Navy port visit to China being planned for 2018. The two sides will strengthen exchanges and cooperation in the fields of UN peacekeeping, as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster response, emphasizing the importance of the women, peace, and security agenda in the context of cooperation on UN peace operations and ongoing academic exchanges.

Expansion of bilateral air linkages: In light of the Canada-China Year of Tourism and the expected growth in tourist flows, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to ensure proportionate growth in air transport services. The two leaders committed to seeking ways to further expand these services in the near future.

Increased collaboration on regional and international security issues: Canada and China agreed to further engage and collaborate on pressing regional and global challenges, and exchanged views on North Korea and Myanmar.

Partnership on Cultural Exchanges: Ministers from China and Canada have agreed to co-chair the inaugural meeting of the Canada-China Joint Committee on Culture in Ottawa in February 2018. This platform will provide a new opportunity for high-level dialogue on matters of mutual interest in culture, creative industries, the arts, heritage, and other areas.

Cooperation on rule of law and labour: The Prime Minister also reiterated that Canada’s priorities in China include the promotion and protection of human rights and the rule of law, for which is announced $5 million to deepen judicial cooperation, as well as an additional $1.5 million to support work on labour and employment issues.

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