Wang Yi Speaks with Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly on the Phone

On April 5, 2022, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi had a phone conversation with Canadian Foreign Minister Ms. Mélanie Joly at the latter's request.

Wang Yi said, the people of China and Canada have enjoyed long-term friendly exchanges, and Canada was one of the first Western countries to establish diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China. However, in recent years, China-Canada relations have suffered a serious setback due to the Meng Wanzhou case. This is something we do not want to see. The essence of this case is that the United States suppressed Chinese high-tech enterprises by coercion. Such despicable behavior is seen clearly by the world. Wang Yi said, no country should embolden this unilateral bullying by "playing the jackal to the tiger", a Chinese proverb indicating "help a villain do evil". All countries also have the right to make necessary responses to it.

Wang Yi said, China has always viewed and handled China-Canada relations from a strategic and long-term perspective. The current situation of bilateral relations is not in the interests of both sides, and Canada should face up to the problems and meet the Chinese side halfway. Wang Yi put forward a three-point proposal in this regard:

First, take a positive and objective view of China and pursue a prudent and pragmatic China policy. China's political system and development path are the Chinese people's own choices, which have inevitable historical logic and are in line with China's national conditions and its people's needs. China's development and progress is not only the legitimate right of 1.4 billion people, but also an important part of the modernization of all mankind. China and Canada have neither historical disputes nor real conflicts of interest. China hopes that Canada will keep in mind the goal of mutual benefit and win-win results and do more practical things that are conducive to enhancing mutual trust and promoting bilateral relations.

Second, respect each other's core interests and not set new obstacles to China-Canada relations. The one-China principle is the political foundation of China-Canada relations. If the Taiwan question is not handled properly, China-Canada relations will suffer fundamental damage. China hopes that Canada will adopt a correct attitude and position on issues concerning China's core interests.

Third, uphold independence and eliminate unnecessary external interference. The older generation of leaders of China and Canada broke through resistance and made the decision to establish diplomatic relations. The exchanges between China and Canada featured many good stories and traditions, which should be cherished and carried forward. China hopes that Canada will work with China to eliminate external interference and overcome difficulties to achieve sound, steady and sustainable development of bilateral relations.

Joly said, Canada was one of the first countries to recognize the People's Republic of China, and Canada-China relations have a solid foundation. Canada respects China's sovereignty, system and the choices made independently by the Chinese people, and speaks highly of China's great achievements in development, especially poverty alleviation. Noting that Canada-China relations were at a difficult phase in recent years, Joly said that Canada is ready to work with China to bring Canada-China relations gradually back on the right track and build a more resilient bilateral relationship on the basis of treating each other with candidness and respect, and in a forward-looking spirit. Canada appreciates China's important contributions to the global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, and stands ready to strengthen cooperation with China on climate change, environmental protection and pandemic response.

The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine issue. Wang Yi said, President Xi Jinping has made a comprehensive and authoritative elaboration on China's position. China calls on all parties to think calmly and rationally, create opportunities for peace and open up prospects for talks. At present, the talks are facing setbacks and difficulties, but as long as the talks continue, there will be the possibility of a ceasefire and the hope of peace. Upholding an objective and impartial position, China will continue to play a constructive role in this regard. Joly said, Canada is ready to maintain communication with China.