As Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney prepares for his first official visit to China since 2017 this week (January 14-17), Torontonians are buzzing about what this diplomatic reset could mean. CGTN’s street interviews revealed that words like ‘economic powerhouse’ and ‘innovation’ dominate local perceptions of China in 2026.
💼 Business liaison manager Raman captured the mood: "China’s the partner every nation wants at their development table. This visit isn’t just handshakes – it’s about solving real issues like tariffs together." Many echoed hopes that Carney’s meeting with Premier Li Qiang could unlock new tech and green energy collaborations.
🌐 With China remaining Canada’s second-largest trading partner, young professionals we spoke to emphasized digital connectivity and climate solutions as 2026’s big opportunities. One student quipped: "Our EV future might literally ride on this visit."
