China, Canada sign green deal

Canada and China signed a series of agreements on issues including climate change Thursday, during a visit by Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper aimed at jump-starting ties between the two countries.

Harper held talks with Chinese leaders on the second day of his four-day visit, during which both sides called for an improvement in ties that have languished in recent years.

For years, Harper's government has been outspoken in criticizing Beijing over its human rights record and allegations of Chinese spying, sparking fears in the Canadian business community of a potential backlash in trade ties.

"Canada has great advantages in the fields of environmental protection, green economy and energy and chemistry,"Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao told Harper.

Harper told China's President Hu Jintao in earlier talks that there was "great potential"in further developing trade and economic relations.

After the talks, ministers from China and Canada signed five agreements, including a renewed memorandum on mineral resources and a memorandum of understanding on climate change, just days ahead of UN talks in Copenhagen aimed at tackling global warming.

Harper will also visit Shanghai and Hong Kong.