China congratulates Carney on becoming Canada's next PM

China congratulated Mark Carney after he won the leadership of Canada's Liberal Party, paving the way for him to become the country's next prime minister. Beijing's foreign ministry said Monday it had "noted relevant reports and congratulates Mr. Carney" on his election. 

"China always maintains that bilateral relations should be developed on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit," Ministry Spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a regular press briefing. "They hope that the Canadian side can maintain an objective and rational understanding of China, and pursue a positive and pragmatic policy towards China," she said.