I said what do you think? It works – but not in China and certainly not against the Chinese despot Xi Jinping (69).

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, 50, dared to do so during the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia. According to press reports, he complained about Chinese interference in Canadian democracy. Jing Bing didn’t find it funny at all.

In a video from Wednesday, the two can be seen engaging in a brief dialogue that shows the low diplomatic temperature. Like a schoolboy, the man who is perhaps the most powerful in the world is scolded by the Prime Minister of Canada.

Everything we discussed yesterday was leaked in the papers. The Chinese president, who is not used to freedom of the press, filed a complaint.

All those who are serious conduct the dialogue with mutual respect – “otherwise it is difficult to say what the result will be”, threatened Trudeau.

Trudeau replied as kindly as possible: “In Canada, we believe in free, open and honest conversations. Perhaps the dialogue can continue. He wants to work “constructively” with Xi Jinping. “But there will be things on which we will not agree,” said the Canadian Prime Minister.

Xi Jinping looked dissatisfied and said briefly, “Create the conditions.” He then shook hands with Trudeau, put on his signature smile and left. The Prime Minister of Canada did the same – although on the contrary, he looked surprised.

► This is the first meeting between Trudeau and Xi Jinping in more than three years. However, unlike Xi Jinping’s meetings with other heads of state and government, an official meeting has yet to be announced.

Strained relationship. After Huawei Telecom Group Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou was arrested in 2018 at the request of the United States, China arrested two Canadians and charged them with espionage. Diplomats speak of “hostage diplomacy”. After a long standoff with US judicial authorities, Meng Wanzhou could return to China under a barter deal in 2021, after which only two Canadians will be released.

(kV)