SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — Canada-China Relations

Honourable senators, I rise today as co-chair of the Canada-China Legislative Association to welcome a delegation of parliamentarians from the People’s Republic of China. They are here today to attend the twenty-fifth bilateral meeting of our association. Among our guests are Mr. Shi Yaobin and Mr. Zhang Tao, members of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, as well as Mr. Yu Xubo, a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee. The delegation is accompanied today by representatives of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Canada.

This year marks the fifty-fifth anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and China, which makes our guests’ visit to Canada particularly significant. Let me remind my colleagues that these diplomatic relations were established by the prime minister at the time, the Right Honourable Pierre Elliott Trudeau, even before Washington had established diplomatic relations with China.

I hope that all senators have had the opportunity to see the photo exhibit in the Senate foyer, which was kindly loaned to us by the Chinese Embassy to mark this important milestone in diplomatic relations between our two countries. This anniversary has also highlighted the efforts of successive governments in the development of Canada-China relations. Through this work, parliamentarians in both Canada and China have demonstrated their ongoing commitment.

Established in 1998, the Canada-China Legislative Association represents all officially recognized parties and groups from both the Senate and the other place. The association now has more than 100 members and counting.

The association has helped to sustain a steady dialogue between parliamentary counterparts. Since its establishment, it has held bilateral meetings across China and hosted numerous delegations.

Indeed, I had the opportunity to lead a delegation to China in late March. There, I had the chance to witness China’s significant progress, both economically and environmentally.

I noticed the difference myself last March compared to a trip I took 10 years ago when I was Quebec’s minister of trade and economic development. We’ve just concluded in-depth discussions on major bilateral issues, including ties between our two peoples, economic and trade cooperation and fundamental multilateral issues like climate change and the vital role of our multilateral institutions in supporting international cooperation and resolving shared challenges. To better understand and deal with the challenges we face, we first need to open a dialogue. We very much appreciate these constructive discussions.

Colleagues, the art of parliamentary diplomacy involves building bridges, not walls, despite of our differences. In closing, allow me to acknowledge the efforts that Prime Minister Carney is making to better identify sectors where cooperation is possible.

Please join me in wishing our guests a warm welcome.

Thank you, xiexie.