Carney says he will tell Xi face to face that foreign interference in Canada is 'unacceptable'

Prime Minister Mark Carney said on 10 November that he will tell Chinese President Xi Jinping in person, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders' meeting in Shenzhen later this month, that China and other countries should not interfere in Canada's internal affairs. Speaking to reporters in Montreal, Carney said interference was "unacceptable" and that he intends to raise it frankly.

Meeting on the sidelines of APEC in Shenzhen, 18-19 November

According to Reuters, Carney said he would meet Xi on the sidelines of the APEC summit and stress that Canada expects other countries to respect its domestic political system and refrain from interfering in its affairs. The APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting is scheduled for 18-19 November in Shenzhen; Carney begins a multi-country trip from 11 to 19 November, first visiting Ireland and then travelling to China for APEC, his second visit to the country this year.

Statement comes as Canada-China ties warm and Canadians warm to China

The statement comes as Canada-China relations are warming: a poll released the same day by the Angus Reid Institute found the share of Canadians with a favourable view of China has risen from 15% in 2024 to 38%, with 69% saying a stronger relationship with China is important. The same poll also found 53% of Canadians still view China unfavourably.

Carney's trip will also cover trade and other issues; Beijing denies allegations of interfering in other countries' internal affairs. US President Donald Trump is also expected to meet Xi during the Shenzhen APEC summit. Source: Reuters, 10 November 2026.