Canada reaffirms one-China policy as top diplomats meet in Beijing

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) - Canada reaffirmed the one-China policy as Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Canadian counterpart, Melanie Joly, met Saturday in Beijing, according to a Canadian agency.

The two ministers held a meeting and discussed "opportunities and challenges in the bilateral relationship as well as a wide range of global issues of common concern, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Israel-Hamas conflict and tensions in the Korean Peninsula," Global Affairs Canada reported.

Both sides agreed to enhance coordination on shared issues within the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and other relevant international forums.

Joly said Canada "would continue to defend our democracy and the values it has always stood for, including human rights, the rule of law, and the principles enshrined in the UN Charter, as Canada does consistently in its international engagement," said the agency.

She also reaffirmed Canada’s one-China policy, "which remains unchanged."

The ministers agreed on the importance of keeping open lines of communication and are committed to holding regular ministerial-level discussions on topics such as peace, security, and trade.