Canada is seeking to advance a more pragmatic approach to its relationship with China following high-level exchanges, Canadian experts say.

Jeff Mahon, former deputy director of the China division at Global Affairs Canada, said the "Canada-China relations are on a positive upward trajectory" following the meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in January.

He said both sides have taken steps to improve ties, noting that they have "advanced their commitments under a preliminary agreement-in-principle to implement measures to remove some trade restrictions".

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"While more work remains to be done in order to deepen and expand collaboration, these initial steps highlight the good-faith approach adopted by the two leaders," he told China Daily.

The recent Beijing visit by Canadian Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne was seen as a concrete sign of that effort.

Mahon said that both countries are working to expand structured cooperation mechanisms. "Both sides are advancing initiatives under the joint road map," he said.

He added that both sides have agreed to launch a financial working group, which will open up new avenues for officials to expand collaboration in the financial sector.

High-level exchanges are also playing an increasingly important role in managing the relationship.

"The increased frequency of meetings between high-level officials is a major development as it allows for candid conversations to exchange perspectives on sensitive issues while promoting expanded cooperation," Mahon said.

He said this reflects a broader policy approach by Ottawa.

At the same time, he noted that both sides will need to manage differences carefully.

He said that addressing outstanding trade issues will be critical, including "finding a durable solution to the trade irritants that still exist", particularly in agriculture, while also expanding market access.

Looking ahead, maintaining stability will be critical amid current global economic uncertainty.

"Since Prime Minister Mark Carney took office, Canada has moved to rebuild closer ties with China, seeking to move past the diplomatic difficulties of recent years," said Jiang Wenran, founding director of the China Institute at the University of Alberta.

The shift, he noted, has gained "broad support from most provincial premiers, the business community, and a growing segment of the public", although it still faces some resistance.

Security considerations remain a key constraint on Canada's China policy.

Jiang told China Daily that Ottawa has advanced what it calls a "new strategic partnership" with Beijing and has begun implementing summit agreements between leaders of the two countries, pointing to "growing cooperation on electric vehicles, energy and finance".

Against this backdrop, Champagne's recent visit to Beijing marked a concrete step.

The visit, which included a large business delegation, marks a concrete step in implementing the summit consensus, Jiang said. It also "underscores Ottawa's commitment to deepening financial sector cooperation, a field where Canadian firms have historically excelled".

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He said the trip reflects Canada's broader effort to diversify its economic partnerships.

Jiang pointed to plans for a new bilateral mechanism as a sign of deeper institutional engagement.

"The announcement of a forthcoming China-Canada Economic and Financial Strategic Dialogue in the second half of this year is particularly telling."

Jiang said Canada is pursuing what Carney has described as a "third path" in foreign policy.

"A sustainable policy requires Canada to assert an independent course — one that does not automatically follow Washington's containment playbook," he said.

Contact the writers at gaoyang@chinadailyusa.com