Syrian refugees are greeted by Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (left) on their arrival from Beirut at the Toronto Pearson International Airport on Dec 11. MARK BLINCH / REUTERS

Dobson expects a more strategic approach by the Liberal Government which recognises the economic complementarity with the massive Chinese economy as the country beckons China's investors and businesses, state-owned enterprises, tourists, students and even immigrants.

She said Trudeau is expected to look for common interests with China "even when we might disagree on some things, and also teach Canadians about China's growing importance in the world".

In foreign policy, Dobson also expects more involvement in building regional institutions that encourage China and the US to cooperate even as they compete, as they both remain Canada's foremost trading partners.

Meeting with Trudeau, Xi offered praise for the elder Trudeau for establishing ties with China in 1970. "That showed extraordinary political vision," Xi reportedly told Trudeau.

Pierre Trudeau served two stints as Canada's prime minister from 1968 to 1979 and 1980 to 1984. He died in 2000 at the age of 80.

In reply to Xi, Trudeau said he saluted the 45 years of strong relations between Canada and China and extended an invitation to Xi to visit Canada.

The leaders looked forward to continued cooperation and regular dialogues on issues of mutual interest including economic growth, security and cultural issues, according to Arnold Chan, MP for Scarborough-Agincourt, who was appointed Deputy Government House Leader on Dec 2 in Ottawa. They also looked forward to working together in multilateral forums such as the UN, G20 and APEC.

"We will work further on strengthening economic, political and cultural ties between our two countries. This includes the possibility of a free trade agreement," Chan said.

David Mulroney, a former Canadian ambassador to China, said Trudeau's challenge is to move the relationship beyond any nostalgic notion of Canada-China relations and advance Canadian interests with an important global player.

Trudeau has pushed for more trade and investment with China since his new government took office on Nov 4. He has made trade with China and India a top foreign policy priority.

A free trade agreement (FTA) with China is now being explored more seriously under Trudeau, who has said he is generally in favour of free trade.