New Delhi, April 29 -- China said Tuesday it was open to improving ties with Canada, after Prime Minister Mark Carney won the country's election to lead his Liberal Party to another term in power.

"China is willing to develop China-Canada relations on the basis of mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit," foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said.

The results in Canada are an extraordinary comeback for the Liberals, who at the start of the year looked headed for an electoral wipeout.

Beijing on Tuesday stopped short of congratulating Carney, but said: "China's position on China-Canada relations is consistent and clear."

Ties between Beijing and Ottawa have been tense in recent years.

The arrest of a senior Chinese telecom execu...