Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Canada\u2019s Melanie Joly held high-stakes talks in Lima this week, mixing cautious optimism with sharp disagreements over trade and Taiwan. The meeting—held amid rising global tensions—was a rollercoaster of diplomatic chess moves, blending progress with lingering flashpoints. 🎯
The Heart of the Talks
Wang highlighted \"positive signals\" from Joly\u2019s recent China visit, including progress on adding direct flights between the two nations. But sparks flew—in the diplomatic sense—when he called out Canada\u2019s new tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, labeling them \"a violation of free trade principles.\" 🚗💨 \"Canada must lift these discriminatory measures,\" Wang insisted, urging adherence to WTO rules.
Taiwan: The Red Line
Wang didn\u2019t mince words on Taiwan, stressing that the one-China principle is \"non-negotiable\" and a cornerstone of global order. He urged Canada to \"fully understand\" the sensitivity of the issue. Joly reaffirmed Ottawa\u2019s one-China policy, signaling alignment but leaving room for future friction. 🇨🇳✋
What\u2019s Next?
Both sides agreed to keep dialogue open, with Joly teasing closer collaboration in APEC and on climate issues. Yet, with political systems \"as different as K-pop and classical opera,\" as Wang put it, bridging gaps will require more than just handshakes. 💼🤝 Will trade disputes cool? Can cultural ties thrive? Stay tuned.
