The embarrassing moment Xi Jinping challenged Justin Trudeau in public

Chinese President Xi Jinping reproach Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in front of cameras during the 20th summit in Indonesia in a public incident rare which could complicate already tense bilateral relations.

Images taken by journalists on the island of Bali on Wednesday, where leaders of the world’s 20 largest economies met, show Xi criticizing Trudeau. cordially but seriouslyfollowing the alleged leak in the press of details of a bilateral talks they had held behind closed doors the day before.

The Canadian prime minister indicated that he mentioned “the issue of Chinese interference” during the meeting, after Canada accused China of interfering in its democratic and judicial systems.

“Everything we talked about leaked to the papers. It’s not appropriate“Xi Jinping tells Justin Trudeau, according to a nearly minute-long video posted on Twitter.

In a calm tone and with a smile, the president, who speaks in Chinese, adds: “Besides, that’s not how the discussion developed, is it?” Their statements are translated into English by an interpreter.

“If there is sincerity (on his part), we should have a discussion based on mutual respect. If notthe result will be unpredictableXi continues.

The Chinese president then apparently attempts to leave, but the Canadian prime minister responds, even before hearing Xi Jinping’s words translated.

“in Canada we believe in free, open and frank dialogue. And that’s what we will continue to do,” said Justin Trudeau in English.

“We will continue to try to work together constructively, but there will be things we disagree on,” he points out.

With his hands raised and spread in front of him, Xi Jinping ends the conversation, calmly telling him twice: “Create the conditions. Create the conditions (necessary to improve relations)”.

With a smile, Xi shakes hands with the Canadian prime minister and then it leaves.

Beijing plays down

Asked on Thursday about the matter in a regular press point in Beijing, a spokeswoman for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mao Ning, downplayed the matter.

“Video (…) contained a short conversation between the leaders of the two countries during the G20 summit. It’s normal,” she said.

“I don’t think this should be interpreted as a criticism or rebuke of any kind from President Xi,” he said.

The tone of the exchange was similar to that of “a ‘great’ power addressing a less great one”judges Van Jackson, professor of International Relations at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand.

“Xi’s language and stance are not at all unusual – in private – for a conversation between government officials who are not on good terms,” ​​said this expert.

Tuesday’s meeting between Xi Jinping and Justin Trudeau was the first face-to-face between the two leaders. since 2019.

Illegal Chinese police stations

Canada’s federal police said on Thursday they were conducting an investigation into alleged “police stations” set up illegally by China. in Canada for example check to its exiled or expatriate citizens.

Justin Trudeau also stated this last week China was engaged in “aggressive games”, after Canadian channel Global News reported Chinese interference in the electoral process in Canada.

Relations between Canada and China have deteriorated dramatically in recent years, especially after the 2018 arrest of a Huawei executive in Vancouver on US orders and Beijing’s arrest of two Canadians in apparent retaliation.

The three they have been released last year as part of a plea deal with US prosecutors, but the wounds have not healed.

AFP extension