From my exprience the Chinese government officials never ever use "unguarded and honest" language. They have an agenda and they will do everything that is necessary to implement it.

My understanding is that Harper has said he wants reciprocity if they are to approve takeovers of Canadian companies by the Chinese. What he is referring to is being rejected from the ASEAN trade talks recently. Then China says we can join the club in a decade. I believe Harper's saying, well maybe you won't be able to buy up our resources until then.

The discussion may be getting plain and honest but I don't think it is going terribly well.