Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister says Canada has entered a new era in relations with China.
John Baird is wrapping up a visit to China, were he met with Chinese business leaders and his government counterparts.
Speaking from Shanghai, Baird said the once chilly relations between the two nations are warming, as partnerships in trade, energy, natural resources and international affairs are solidifying.
The issue of human rights has been a topic of much conversation throughout Baird’s trip to the Asia-Pacific nation. Baird reiterated that he doesn’t believe industry and human rights discussions are mutually exclusive. “I just don’t accept that it’s an either-or scenario,” said the Minister.
Baird said Canada must increasingly look to Asia-Pacific, and continue to promote Canada’s economic interests as well as Canadian values in the region.
When asked about wanted Chinese fugitive Lai Changxing, who is currently fighting extradition from Canada, detained Baird commended the Chinese attitude toward white-collar crime and fraud. “They want justice,” said Baird. “We have the same view in Canada.”
Baird repeated his view that Changxing’s case must be processed through Canada’s legal channels, despite calls from the Chinese government to extradite him.
“We have a legal system that can be slow,” said Baird, “but it has other benefits that we don’t apologize for.”
Baird now heads to Indonesia for a meeting of ministers from Southeast Asian countries.
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