China said on Tuesday it's 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 two countries have had a rocky relationship in recent years, with Beijing and Ottawa currently embroiled in a trade spat over tech and agriculture exports.

The United Kingdom congratulated Carney on his victory, while the European Union chief said the bloc will work with him.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK and Canada are "the closest of allies, partners and friends".

"Our partnership is based on shared history and values, with a shared sovereign, and I look forward to strengthening our ties," he said in a statement.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she looked forward to working with Ottawa to "defend our shared democratic values, promote multilateralism, and champion free and fair trade."

Following a campaign dominated by US President Donald Trump's tariffs and annexation threats, Carney promised to chart "a new path forward" in a world "fundamentally changed" by a United States that is newly hostile to free trade.

Carney's Liberals secured control of Canada's parliament but may fall just short of a majority.

That will require making deals with smaller parties but still marks an extraordinary comeback for the Liberals, who at the start of the year looked headed for an electoral wipeout.

Pierre Poilievre's Conservative Party had been on track to win the vote but Trump's attacks, combined with the departure of unpopular former prime minister Justin Trudeau, transformed the race.

Poilievre has conceded defeat and promised to work with the Liberals to counter Trump. (AFP)