Canada on Wednesday announced the appointment of a prominent businessman as its new ambassador to China amid damaged relations following the arrest of a top Chinese tech executive.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Dominic Barton, the former global managing director of the influential consulting firm McKinsey & Co, as the new envoy. Barton is head of the Trudeau government's economic advisory council.
Beijing's embassy in Ottawa said China has accepted the nomination of Barton and said the Chinese side "expects him to play a positive role in promoting thebilateral relationsbackto therighttrack."
Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said appointing Barton is a message to China of the "importance Canada places on this difficult and critical relationship."
"I am confident he will do everything in his power to end Michael's detention. With his deep interest in Asia, strong economic background and close ties to the Prime Minister, he also he will be taken seriously by Chinese authorities."
"It takes courage for PM Trudeau to name someone whose consulting firm has done extensive works in China and for Chinese clients, against the relentless pressure from negative forces that are advocating decoupling with China and making China an enemy. This gesture will not be unnoticed by Beijing."