Canadian government should weigh its gains and losses in handling ties

Although its source is unknown, the saying "If you can't be friends with Canada, you probably can't be friends with anyone else" is ingrained in many people's minds, reflecting how the North American country is well-known for its friendliness, openness and inclusiveness. It is also for these characteristics that the country has prospered.

But in his interview with The Canadian Press on Wednesday, China's ambassador Wang Di complained that although China has always regarded Canada as its friend and partner, "it takes two to tango", indicating that Canada has not reciprocated China's commitment to establishing friendly relations between the two countries.

Just last week, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called China one of the biggest threats with regard to foreign interference in Canada, and an emerging threat in the Arctic.