Canada and China Reach New Bilateral Agreements

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien and Chinese President Jiang Zemin today witnessed the signing of three bilateral agreements and announced a new air agreement, following a meeting of the two leaders in Ottawa.

"The visit of President Jiang has provided an opportunity to build on the excellent relations between our two countries, by achieving important advances in many areas of mutual interest," said the Prime Minister. "These agreements will be a stimulus to Canadian industry, promote sustainable development, and increase the flow of people between Canada and China. They reflect the coming of age of Canada-China relations."

In their meetings, Prime Minister Chrétien and President Jiang discussed a number of issues, including regional security, bilateral relations, human rights concerns, China's bid to join the World Trade Organization and the upcoming treaty signing conference on landmines.

The agreements and memoranda of understanding concluded in Ottawa will generate additional opportunities for cooperation on consular matters and tourism and improve air travel between Canada and China.

Mr. Chrétien and Mr. Jiang announced the establishment of a Canadian consulate in Chongqing, China, following an earlier announcement by the Chinese President that a Chinese Consulate General would be established in Calgary, Alberta.

Details of the agreements signed today in Ottawa are listed in the attached backgrounder.

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Consular Agreement

The Governments of Canada and China have concluded a consular agreement to improve the management of consular relations. In the case of dual nationals, the agreement affirms that travellers using a Canadian passport for entry into China will be regarded as Canadian citizens. The agreement defines assistance to nationals and arrested persons, and Chinese responsibility for notification of the death of Canadians.

Exchange of Notes on the Opening of New Consulates

The Governments of Canada and China reached an agreement to open a Canadian Consulate in Chongqing and a Chinese Consulate General in Calgary, Alberta. Chongqing, an interior city of China, with a population of 30 million, is a major manufacturing centre. The consulate will assist Canadian companies that wish to do business with this growing industrial area. The post will also cover the province of Sichuan, which has a population of 90 million. It was also announced that Canada's mission in Guangzhou had been upgraded to the status of Consulate General.

China has decided to open a Consulate General in Calgary, which will offer the full range of consular functions and strengthen ties with the province's energy, agricultural and industrial sectors.

Memorandum of Understanding on Tourism Cooperation

The Memorandum of Understanding between the National Tourism Commission of the People's Republic of China and the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) lays the foundation for increased travel between the two countries. Under the agreement both parties will encourage business cooperation and promotional activities, exchange information and tourism materials and assist in establishing tourism offices in each other's country.

Bilateral Air Agreement between Canada and China

The Governments of Canada and China have concluded a renewed air agreement. The agreement, which will be signed at a later date, will increase services by both Canadian and Chinese airlines and commercial linkages, including prospects for all-cargo services. Canada will gain the opportunity to resume air service to Shanghai, making Canadian Airlines International one of the few foreign carriers to offer this long-haul non-stop service. Daily flights to Beijing by Canadian Airlines International will also be available, with both routes taking effect in April 1998.