Guy Saint-Jacques, Canada's ambassador to the People's Republic of China, speaks in Edmonton, Alta., on Feb. 11, 2013.JASON FRANSON/The Canadian Press
Canada's ambassador to China, Guy Saint-Jacques, says some human rights in the country have been moving backward in recent years.
Mr. Saint-Jacques, who has served as ambassador in Beijing for nearly four years, said China has made lots of progress on human rights when it comes to improving economic conditions, including its feat of helping lift 600 million people out of poverty.
But he added that over the past three years, the country has been moving backward on personal freedoms, particularly when it comes to the Internet.
"That's why Canada has used opportunities to express its views to China."
The state-run Xinhua news agency published a commentary Tuesday that chided Canada for allowing "groundless" human rights concerns cloud what could be a productive relationship with China – especially since Canada's own reputation on the treatment of Aboriginal Peoples is less than stellar.
Related: Trudeau in China: Focus shifts to human rights after ambassador's rebuke to Beijing
"It is penny wise and pound foolish to spoil China-Canada ties with these domestic concerns in Canada," the commentary reads.
Mr. Saint-Jacques accompanied Prime Minister Trudeau at meetings Wednesday with Chinese Premier Li Keqiangand later with President Xi Jinping.
"This year marks 45 years of diplomatic relations between Canada and China," Trudeau said as he stood beside Li in the Great Hall of the People, which overlooks Tiananmen Square.
"My father, Pierre Elliott Trudeau, played an important role in establishing a partnership between our two countries when he was prime minister. So, I'm very happy to be extending that effort now."
The Chinese leadership, which has high expectations of the 10-month-old Trudeau government, have given him a warm welcome.
Outside the Great Hall and across the square, Chinese flags fluttered alongside the Maple Leaf. Trudeau was also greeted by a Chinese honour guard, ceremonial cannon blasts and a booming rendition of "O Canada," which echoed across Tiananmen.
Asked if he had raised human rights concerns and the case of a jailed Canadian, Trudeau said he's "highlighted a number of consular cases" every time he's had the opportunity to sit down with Chinese leaders.
Those cases include Kevin Garratt, a Canadian imprisoned for more than two years in China on espionage charges.
Trudeau himself has indicated in the past that there's no evidence to support the accusations against Garratt. The prime minister did not say what China has told him about Garratt's case.
Li insisted that China is a country of the rule of law and said judicial authorities would handle cases in strict accordance with the law. He added that individuals will be treated in a "humanitarian way."
"With respect for cultural diversity, I think it is natural for us to understand that our two countries may have differences, on some issues this is only natural," Li said.
"But I also believe that we have far greater common interests between us and on that basis there's every reason for us to have candid dialogue about differences and work together for proper settlements of our differences."
The Garratt family issued a statement Wednesday through their lawyer, saying they were "extremely frustrated" by a lack of progress in securing his release and enabling him to obtain "critically needed medical treatment."
"Kevin should be released to allow the two countries to move forward to develop stronger ties and co-operation on many levels," the statement said.
– With files from The Associated Press