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Canada, China continue exploratory talks over launch of free trade talks

Canada and China on Dec. 4 failed to launch formal negotiations for a free trade agreement, as both nations agreed to continue exploratory talks on the first day of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's visit to Beijing, Bloomberg News reported.

Trudeau said that formal talks would be launched if the countries are confident of reaching a deal.

A Canadian government official said full formal negotiations could still launch before Trudeau's visit ends Dec. 7, Bloomberg News reported.

Trudeau told reporters that Canada was "committed" to its "progressive" trade agenda, and that China considered it a precedent case being its first trade deal with a G-7 country. He added that "there wasn't one specific issue" that held back the launch of formal trade talks.

Canada and China were expected to formally launch free trade talks in the run-up to Trudeau's visit. Canada wants to diversify its trade amid threats from the U.S. to pull out of the North American Free Trade Agreement.