BEIJING, March 10, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - China on Monday congratulated Mark Carney 
after he won the leadership of Canada's Liberal Party, paving the way for him 
to become the country's next prime minister.

Carney was overwhelmingly elected by his party on Sunday, but may not be in 
the post for long as Canada must hold national elections by October.

The 59-year-old steps into the role at a daunting time, as US President 
Donald Trump imposes sweeping tariffs on Canada and ramps up his expansionist 
rhetoric against a key American ally.

Beijing's foreign ministry said Monday it had "noted relevant reports and 
congratulates Mr. Carney" on his election.

"China always maintains that bilateral relations should be developed on the 
basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit," ministry spokeswoman 
Mao Ning said at a regular press briefing.

"We hope that the Canadian side can maintain an objective and rational 
understanding of China, (and) pursue a positive and pragmatic policy towards 
China," she said.

Beijing and Ottawa have navigated a turbulent relationship since Canada 
detained Meng Wanzhou, a top executive at Chinese tech giant Huawei, in 2018 
-- prompting Beijing to arrest two Canadian nationals in retaliation.

And China said Saturday that it would slap tariffs on Canadian products 
including rapeseed oil and pork, after a Beijing probe into levies imposed by 
Ottawa on Chinese goods last year.

The Chinese commerce ministry said it would hit imported rapeseed oil, oil 
cakes, and peas from Canada with a 100 percent tariff, and imported aquatic 
products and pork with a 25 percent levy, from March 20.