Chinese President Xi Jinping and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau discussed the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia. The two heads of state had previously held an informal bilateral meeting and the issues discussed were leaked to the Canadian press, so the Chinese representative was visibly annoyed. The resentment between the two was recorded by media channels in Canada and announced to the public.
“Everything we say has been leaked (to the press) has been leaked,” Xi Jinping said in the translator’s simultaneous translation. This is inappropriate, that’s not our way of working. If you’re honest, we should communicate with mutual respect.”
Canada’s prime minister responded by saying that “we believe in free and cordial dialogue in Canada” and that he wanted to work constructively with China, but there could be points of disagreement. The Chinese did not clarify whether he agreed, but thought that it would be necessary to “first create the conditions for this.”
The two then parted with a quick handshake, without Xi Jinping looking directly at Trudeau.
On Twitter, netizens commented on the controversy, especially as overt disagreements between heads of state are rare.
According to Canadian channel CBC, Trudeau, at a press conference after the video’s release, reaffirmed the talks with Xi Jinping about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, North Korea, and holding COP15 in Montréal. The Chinese government did not comment on the meeting.
The Prime Minister also defended what was said in the informal meeting by conveying it to the press. Meeting with Xi Jinping was not foreseen on Trudeau’s official agenda, which included talks with President Emannuel Macron (France) and Alberto Fernández (Argentina) on the same day.
“I will not hesitate to be frank with Canadians, even when discussing important and sometimes sensitive issues. Striking the right balance between being open about disagreements and the issues we raise, but also being able to work constructively is something that people need to understand. Canadians will always do. That’s it,” he justified.
source: Noticias
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.