Chinese President Xi Jinping berated Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday in front of the cameras at the G20 summit, in an unusually public spat that could further complicate bilateral relations.

“Going to tell the papers what we are talking about is not appropriate,” Xi told Justin Trudeau, according to video recorded by reporters in Bali, Indonesia. Xi was referring to reports released by the press about a conversation between the two.

Canadian and international media, which quoted people close to the meeting, reported that the Canadian prime minister had expressed concerns about alleged Chinese interference in his country’s elections.

“Besides, that’s not how the conversation went,” Xi added, accusing Trudeau of insincerity.

Xi’s remarks were translated into English by an interpreter. “If there is sincerity [da sua parte], then we should have a discussion based on mutual respect. Otherwise, it’s hard to wait any longer,” the Chinese leader said.

The Chinese president apparently tries to say goodbye to the Canadian prime minister, but the latter responds. “In Canada, we believe in free, open and frank dialogue, and that’s what we will continue to do,” said Justin Trudeau, in English.

“We will continue to seek to work together constructively, but there will be things we will not agree on,” he added.

Xi Jinping then ended the conversation by saying twice, “It’s up to you to create the conditions [necessárias para melhorar as relações] “.

China downplays the case

When asked about the incident today, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning played down the incident.

“The video (…) contains a brief conversation between the leaders of the two countries during the G20 summit. This is something normal,” he said.

“I don’t think this should be taken as a criticism or a rebuke of anyone by President Xi,” he added.

Tuesday’s meeting between Xi Jinping and Justin Trudeau was the first face-to-face dialogue between the two leaders since 2019.

Canadian Federal Police said last Thursday that they are investigating alleged illegal creation of “squads” by China in Canadato control in particular the Chinese exiled or residing in the country.

Justin Turdeau also said last week that the China was playing ‘aggressive games’after Canadian broadcaster Global News reported on Chinese interference in Canada’s electoral process.

At relations between Beijing and Ottawa have deteriorated sharply in recent yearsin particular after the arrest, in 2018, by Canada, at the request of the United States, of the financial director of the Chinese telecommunications group Huawei.