Carney raises Greenland and Arctic sovereignty in meeting with China’s Xi

Prime Minister Mark Carney says he discussed Greenland’s future and broader Arctic sovereignty issues during a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, amid ongoing international attention on the strategic importance of the Arctic region.

Carney told reporters the conversation included concerns about recent statements by the U.S. president regarding Greenland, emphasizing Canada’s view that decisions about the territory’s future should rest with the people of Greenland themselves. He said he found “significant alignment” with Xi on the principle of respecting sovereignty.

The prime minister said Arctic security was also part of the bilateral talks, noting Canada’s longstanding position that it must protect its northern territories and interests as geopolitical competition intensifies in the region. China considers itself a near-Arctic state and has expanded its involvement through research activity and joint military exercises with Russia.

Canada’s most recent defence policy identifies China’s growing ambitions in the Arctic as a strategic concern, citing increased activity that could challenge existing governance and security arrangements. Ottawa has pledged to strengthen its northern presence through defence investments and closer cooperation with allies.

Following the meeting, Carney also announced progress on trade relations, saying Canada and China reached an agreement to significantly reduce tariffs affecting Chinese electric vehicles and Canadian agricultural exports. The move is expected to ease trade tensions and provide relief for Canadian farmers facing export barriers.