Steve Guilbeault will take part in three days of talks starting Monday at the annual assembly of the China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development ."Climate change and environmental issues know no borders," he said in a statement."We cannot tackle these existential threats without engaging with a wide range of stakeholders and partners."
In comments to Radio-Canada, Guilbeault defended his trip, saying it was crucial that his country broaden collaboration over the climate and biodiversity while also trying to repair diplomatic ties with China, a major trade partner. The two countries put aside their tensions last December while serving as co-organizers of the COP15 biodiversity conference in Montreal, which produced a historic agreement.
Only days after her arrest, two Canadians -- businessman Michael Spavor and former diplomat Michael Kovrig -- were arrested in China on what Canada said were trumped-up charges intended as retaliation for Meng's detention.