BEIJING — Prime Minister Mark Carney ushered in what he called a “new era” in the Canada-China relationship Thursday by renewing and updating a series of old expired non-binding agreements with the Asian superpower on energy, lumber and public safety. In the regal Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Carney and Chinese Premier Li Qiang — the second most powerful figure in the country — watched as their minister signed over a half-dozen memoranda of understanding and letters of intent Thursday afternoon. The countries also signed a Canada-China economic and trade cooperation “roadmap” that sets the foundation of how both countries plan to reignite trade after years of frigid relations. …China is a key part of Carney’s plan to double non-U.S. exports within 10 years in order to reduce Canada’s dependence on the American market. Industry Minister Mélanie Joly noted Thursday that trade discussions with the Chinese are “more predictable and stable” than with Canada’s southern neighbour.