Foreign Minister hopes for return of positive China-Canada ties

China hopes Canada will take measures to remove obstacles in Sino-Canada relations as soon as possible to push bilateral ties back to normal, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday.

Wang made the remarks in a telephone conversation with Canadian Foreign Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne.

Noting the COVID-19 pandemic is changing everything, Wang said collaboration is urgent for coping with the global threat.

With such a backgdrop, Wang said practices of "long-arm jurisdiction" and bullying out of self-interest are unpopular and should be abandoned.

After the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has repeatedly opposed racial discrimination and participated in activities in Chinese communities, the State Councilor noted.

Wang appreciated Canada's sincere attitude as well as support to China, saying China pledges to provide support and help to meet the urgent needs of Canada as the country encounters difficulties and shares experience in combating the virus.

The measures taken by China have effectively contained the spread of the disease — not only safeguarding the health and safety of the Chinese people, but also buying time and offering experience for the world, he said.

Any remarks ignoring this basic fact are untenable, and are disrespectful to the Chinese people, he said, adding he believes Canada will not side with them.

There are about 850,000 Chinese nationals in Canada, 230,000 being students. Wang said China believes Canada will safeguard their health as well as legitimate rights and interests.

Champagne expressed gratitude to China for assisting with medical supplies and experience, saying the pandemic has highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation between Canada and China in public health.

Noting this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, he said Canada hopes to take this opportunity to enhance communication and cooperation with China, and take constructive measures to push relations between the two countries back on track.

Canada attaches great importance to the safety and health of Chinese nationals in its territory and will provide them necessary guarantees, he added.

While taking to Colombian Foreign Minister Claudia Blum over phone the same day, Wang said China will donate a batch of supplies to the country in fighting the pandemic and make it convenient for Colombia to purchase relevant supplies in China.

As this year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Colombia, Wang said he believes bilateral cooperation will be enhanced through a joint battle against the pandemic.

China will continue providing guarantees for Colombian citizens working and living in China, he added.

The Colombian Foreign Minister said China's practice dealing with COVID-19 has set an example for Colombia and the world, expressing her gratitude for the assistance and experience China offered to Colombia and other Latin American countries.

Colombia will make an all-out effort to ensure the safety and health of Chinese citizens in the country, she added.