Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to visit China from January 13 to 17, 2026, marking the first visit by a Canadian prime minister in over eight years. As tensions in Canada-China relations grow, human rights advocates are urging Carney to prioritize human rights issues during his discussions in Beijing.
Relations between the two countries have soured significantly, particularly after the Chinese government unlawfully detained two Canadians between 2018 and 2021 to exert pressure on Canada regarding the arrest of a senior executive of the Chinese tech company Huawei. This incident has highlighted the complexities of diplomatic engagement with China, especially as President Xi Jinping intensifies repression domestically and internationally.
The Canadian government’s official announcement of Carney’s visit emphasized its aim to enhance economic resilience and diversify trade partnerships away from the United States. The statement noted that the trip would involve discussions on trade, energy, agriculture, and international security, with a clear focus on “elevating” Canada-China engagement.
Human Rights Concerns Raised
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has been vocal about the pressing need for Carney to address human rights violations during his trip. Maya Wang, Deputy Asia director at HRW, stated, “Prime Minister Carney should recognize that the Chinese government’s deepening repression threatens not just the rights of people in China but, increasingly, Canada’s core interests and values.” HRW has consistently documented the Chinese government’s human rights abuses, particularly in the Xinjiang region, which has been marked by state-imposed forced labor primarily affecting ethnic Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslim communities.
The organization highlights that Canadian law prohibits the importation of products made using forced labor, which raises significant concerns about goods entering Canada from China. Reports indicate that products linked to forced labor in Xinjiang have made their way into Canadian supply chains. Various human rights organizations, including the United Nations and HRW, have reported on the systemic human rights violations occurring in this region, describing them as crimes against humanity.
In light of these realities, HRW is calling on the Canadian government to take a firm stance on human rights issues during Carney’s visit. The organization emphasizes that the Chinese government’s actions not only undermine global human rights standards but also directly impact Canada’s national interests.
As Prime Minister Carney prepares for this pivotal trip, the balance between fostering economic ties with China and advocating for human rights remains a critical challenge. The outcome of his discussions could shape the future of Canada-China relations and reflect Canada’s commitment to promoting human rights on the global stage.
