CBC says Beijing told it to announce that China held ‘candid and in-depth’ military talks with Canadian officials last week

As the Carney government pursues deeper relations with Beijing, the Chinese government reports it held a “candid” exchange on military issues with Canadian officials earlier this month.

The meeting — which Beijing said took place in Canada on Sept. 4 — followed years of diplomatic strain and is raising concerns among Conservatives, who reject the idea of military co-operation with China.

China’s defence ministry revealed the two countries held their fifth defence co-ordination dialogue last week. Canada’s Defence Department confirmed that report days later.