ISTANBUL: (Bernama-Anadolu) Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Monday (Feb 16) that Canada is "renewing” its relationship with China after Beijing announced visa-free travel for Canadian citizens, calling the move a key outcome of a new phase in bilateral engagement, Anadolu Ajansi reported. As part of our new strategic partnership, China is granting visa-free travel for Canadians,” Carney wrote on the social media platform X, describing the policy as a tangible sign of improving ties. China’s Foreign Ministry said Sunday that ordinary passport holders from Canada and the UK will be allowed visa-free entry starting Feb 17, 2026. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reached agreements on people-to-people exchanges during a separate visit. China has expanded visa-free entry to several Western nations in recent years as part of efforts to revive tourism and international travel following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Source: The Star February 17, 2026 10:26 UTC