Mexico has been taking a bashing for allegedly serving as a conduit for Chinese parts and products into North America.

Canada wants Mexico to stay in a continental trade pact despite concerns about China possibly using it as a back door to flood the North American market, a source directly familiar with the matter said on Wednesday.

Meeting between the countries' leaders comes amid calls in Canada for that nation to enter a bilateral trade deal with the United States.

Mexico’s president acknowledged Thursday that Canada is concerned about reports of a Chinese company’s plan to build an auto plant in Mexico, but she said it does not currently exist. President Claudia Sheinbaum said she talked recently to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and that he assured her he did not support

Trudeau said he would prefer the North American free trade agreement to remain in place, but that Ottawa was 'leaving all doors open' to secure Canadian interests.