Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper visits Chinese President Hu Jintao in Beijing.<br/> <br />The state visit is intended to boost bilateral economic partnerships, and begin exports of oil to the world's second largest economy.<br/> <br />The five day trip is seen as key to the Canadian leader, who is keen to boost trade with China and thereby reduce reliance on the U.S. market.<br/> <br />China does not as yet import any Canadian oil but says it is interested in doing so.<br/> <br />Harper secured a series of other deals with Beijing, including one that Ottawa said should allow the immediate resumption of Canadian beef and tallow exports after a nine year pause.<br/> <br />The two nations also signed an extension of a memorandum of understanding on energy issues, covering oil, gas and nuclear energy.<br/> <br />Harper's trip includes a meeting with the Chinese Vice Premier before travelling to Guangzhou - Southern China's economic hub.<br/> <br />Simon Hanna, Reuters.
