On August 25, 2020 local time, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met at request with Foreign Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne of Canada in Rome.

Wang Yi said, this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Canada. Fifty years ago, Canadian leaders removed external interferences, and withstood pressure from various parties to realize the establishment of diplomatic relations with China, which was a step in the right direction. There is neither historical dispute nor any conflict of interest between China and Canada, but the Canadian side's detention of a Chinese citizen for no reason has caused serious difficulties in bilateral relations. As a Chinese saying goes, "whoever started the trouble should end it." The Canadian side should have a correct understanding of it. It is hoped that the Canadian side will act as an independent country and make a decision as soon as possible to remove the main obstacle in the development of China-Canada relations.

Francois-Philippe Champagne said, Canada-China relations have made substantial progress in the past 50 years. The Canadian side is willing to inherit the foundation laid by previous generations, act in the spirit of mutual respect, and work with the Chinese side to find a solution to the current problems that hold back bilateral relations, in a bid to push Canada-China relations for constant development.