The Globe and Mail reports in its Tuesday edition that Allied Gold has agreed to be acquired by China's Zijin Gold in a $5.5-billion deal that will test Ottawa's appetite for Chinese investment in the mining sector. The Globe's Niall McGee writes that Zijin Gold, which is indirectly owned by the Chinese government, intends to pay $44 a share in cash for Toronto-based Allied, a 5.4-per-cent premium to Friday's close, representing an all-time high for the stock. The Zijin takeover of Allied will undergo national security and net benefit reviews by the federal government, which could last as little as 45 days or drag on for months. Canada's trade relations with China were brought to the fore on the weekend when U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to put 100-per-cent tariffs on Canada if this country strikes a deal with China, although it is unclear what exactly he was referring to. Canada has no plans for a free-trade deal with China. However, since taking office, Prime Minister Mark Carney has improved Canada's relationship with China in a bid to diversify trade away from reliance on the U.S. during the trade war. Allied Gold operates mines in Mali and the Ivory Coast, producing about 375,000 ounces of gold a year.