CNN
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Chinese leader Xi Jinping was caught by Canadian television stations in a rare moment of candor on Wednesday, where he was filmed reprimanding his Canadian counterpart, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, for what He described the discussions as “leaking”.
On the sidelines G20 Summit in Indonesia, Xi conversed with Trudeau in Mandarin with a smile. But the English translation of what he said was a bit less friendly.
“Everything we discussed was leaked to the press and it was inappropriate,” Xi’s translator said.
Trudeau nodded and Xi spoke again. “And that’s not how the conversation goes,” said the interpreter.
“If you are sincere, then we will conduct the discussion with mutual respect, otherwise there may be unpredictable consequences,” Xi told the Canadian leader in Mandarin.
Xi’s translator tried to translate what was said, only to get to “If you have sincerity,” before being interrupted by Trudeau.
“In Canada, we believe in a free, open and frank dialogue,” Trudeau said, adding that “we will continue to work together constructively, but there will be challenges.” which we would not agree to.”
“Let’s create conditions first,” the interpreter on behalf of Xi said in the video. The Chinese leader then shook hands with Prime Minister Trudeau and left with his entourage.
The exchange provides a rare glimpse into how Xi, who appeared in public high choreographyinteract with other leaders.
Their exchange comes as Xi Jinping seeks to reassert China’s global influence at a summit in Bali after a nearly three-year absence from the international scene.
China’s relations with US allies has gone bad to varying degrees in recent years, due to rising geopolitical tensions, trade disputes and the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as Beijing’s growing partnership with Moscow – despite Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Xi sought to restore ties at the summit, meeting with US President Joe Biden on Monday. He also held official talks with the leaders of Australia, France, the Netherlands, South Africa, Spain, Senegal, Argentina, Indonesia and South Korea.
Canada has been unable to hold such a meeting, and the disregard may be related to the fractured relations between the countries since senior Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou was detained in China. Canada in 2018. Two Canadians were detained nine days later in China. All three are released in 2021.
