China President Xi Jinping has criticised Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over alleged leaks of their closed-door meeting at the G20 summit.
In video footage, Xi and Mr Trudeau can be seen standing close to each other and conversing via a translator at the summit on the Indonesian island of Bali.
Xi said in Mandarin: "That is not appropriate, and we didn't do it that way.
"If there is sincerity, we can communicate well with mutual respect, otherwise the outcome will not be easy to tell."
In video footage, Xi and Mr Trudeau can be seen standing close to each other and conversing via a translator
ADAM SCOTTI/PMO
His displeasure was likely a reference to media reports that Mr Trudeau brought up "serious concerns" about alleged espionage and Chinese "interference" in Canadian elections when meeting with Xi on Tuesday, his first talks with the Chinese leader in more than three years.
A translator for Xi can be heard in the video telling Mr Trudeau that "everything we discussed was leaked to the paper, that's not appropriate."
Mr Trudeau responded to the criticism by saying, "In Canada we believe in free and open and frank dialogue and that is what we will continue to have, we will continue to look to work constructively together but there will be things we disagree on."
Before he finished speaking, however, Xi, looking slightly exasperated, cuts him off and says, "Create the conditions, create the conditions, OK?" before smiling, shaking Mr Trudeau's hand and walking off.
China’s foreign ministry has since said that Xi was not criticising Mr Trudeau during the exchange.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a regular media briefing that Beijing supports having frank exchanges as long as they are held on an equal basis, and said China hopes Canada will take action to improve bilateral ties.
"The video you mentioned was indeed a short conversation both leaders held during the G20 summit. This is very normal. I don't think it should be interpreted as Chairman Xi criticising or accusing anyone," Mao said.
China’s foreign ministry has since said that Xi was not criticising Mr Trudeau during the exchange
ADAM SCOTTI/PMO
"Firstly, I want to stress that China never interferes in the affairs of other countries," Chinese foreign ministry spokeperson Mao said on Thursday.
She did not say whether Mr Trudeau bringing up alleged Chinese interference on Tuesday was the reason behind the recorded exchange between the two leaders the following day.
