Photo Gallery: Carney declares ‘new era’ in Canada-China ties

By Canadian Press on January 15, 2026.

Canada is entering a “new era of relations” with China and the stage is set for talks on ways the two countries can be “strategic partners,” Prime Minister Mark Carney said Thursday.

The prime minister made the comments as he was welcomed in Beijing by the second and third most powerful figures in China’s political system: Premier Li Qiang and Zhao Leji, chairman of the standing committee of the National People’s Congress.

While most of the talks took place in secret, media were allowed into the room to hear opening remarks at some of the meetings and to observe a signing ceremony for a number of memorandums of understanding.

Premier Li hailed what he called a “turnaround” in bilateral ties with Canada, calling it a “new starting point” for the two countries.

Li also said Carney’s meeting with President Xi Jinping on Friday will pave the way for “upward growth” in the relationship, according to the live translation provided by the Chinese government.

Here is a look at some scenes from Thursday’s events.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 15, 2026.

The Canadian Press