Xi Jinping may visit Canada in September during U.S. trip, Hong Kong media reports

Speculation is mounting that Chinese President Xi Jinping might include Canada in his itinerary during an anticipated September visit to the United States. Hong Kong's Ming Pao newspaper reported that a visit to Canada is under consideration alongside the U.S. trip.

The suggestion gained traction following separate meetings between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Wang Yi and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand. In both discussions, Wang Yi indicated China's readiness to prepare for "next-stage high-level exchanges."

Analysts suggest Wang Yi's parallel messaging to both Washington and Ottawa signals Beijing's intent to potentially include Canada in Xi's North American tour. Visiting both neighboring countries concurrently could offer a more balanced diplomatic approach and potentially alleviate some of the political burdens associated with a solo visit to the U.S.

If the visit materializes, it would mark Xi's first trip to Canada since assuming the presidency. It would also be the first visit by a Chinese head of state to Canada in 16 years. Relations between China and Canada have been strained since 2018, particularly following Canada's arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou at the request of the U.S. Despite Meng's release in 2021, political trust has remained low, and trade disputes have persisted. However, recent overtures suggest a potential thaw, with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau having formally invited Xi to visit Canada during his trip to China in January.