Carney pledges to raise Chinese interference concerns during meeting with Xi Jinping

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney says he intends to directly raise concerns about Chinese interference in Canadian affairs when he meets President Xi Jinping during the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen.

Speaking to reporters on November 10, Carney emphasized the importance of protecting Canada’s political institutions and ensuring that foreign governments do not interfere in the country’s domestic affairs.

The planned meeting comes as Ottawa pursues a renewed economic relationship with Beijing, seeking to expand trade opportunities and reduce Canada’s dependence on the United States.

Canadian intelligence agencies have previously raised concerns about Chinese attempts to influence Canadian political processes, including the 2019 and 2021 federal elections. Beijing has consistently denied interfering in Canada’s internal affairs.

Carney has previously identified China as a significant foreign interference threat, even as his government has moved to improve bilateral relations.

The two leaders are expected to discuss trade, economic cooperation and broader diplomatic issues during the November 18–19 summit.

The meeting will test Ottawa’s ability to advance economic relations with China while maintaining its position on national security, political sovereignty and foreign interference.

The federal government has presented its engagement with Beijing as part of a broader strategy to diversify Canada’s international partnerships without compromising its domestic interests.