Canada and China Sign Cooperation Deals on Energy, Crime and Food Safety

Canada and China have signed six preliminary cooperation agreements during Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to Beijing, covering key areas such as energy policy, crime prevention, food safety, culture and forestry. The agreements were formalized on January 15, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral ties after years of strained relations.

The cooperation framework includes plans for regular energy policy talks aimed at advancing collaboration in low-carbon energy sources and related technologies, reflecting both countries’ interest in sustainable development and cleaner energy solutions. As part of this effort, Canada and China agreed to launch a ministerial-level energy dialogue that is expected to take place every 12 to 18 months.

In addition to energy, the agreements span crime prevention initiatives, allowing law enforcement agencies from both nations to work more closely on shared safety concerns, and food safety cooperation, which could support improved standards and information exchange in agricultural and imported products.

Carney’s visit — the first by a Canadian prime minister to China in nearly a decade — is seen as part of a broader diplomatic effort to reset and expand Canada–China relations following years of diplomatic coolness stemming from trade disputes and other tensions. The two countries have sought common ground on trade, security and cultural exchanges, while also navigating issues such as tariffs and diplomatic challenges.

Officials from both sides described the new cooperation as an important step toward building mutual trust and exploring new areas of collaboration, particularly as Canada seeks to diversify its international partnerships and reduce over-dependence on traditional markets.

The agreements signal a willingness by Ottawa and Beijing to work together on practical, sector-specific issues even as broader geopolitical concerns remain under discussion.