Canada-China diplomatic relations at 45, from one Trudeau to another

The University of British Columbia is marking the 45th anniversary of the establishmentof diplomatic relations between Canada and China with a series of eventson Thursday.

Academics, diplomats, and business people, will be holdinga number ofpanel discussions on diplomacy, history,and investmenton campus throughout the day.

"[Pierre] Trudeaubelieved...itwas a strategic move," saidYvesTiberghien,director ofInstitute of Asian Research at UBCand one of the speakers participating.

Tiberghiensays Trudeau'svisit in 1973 helped give credit to the diplomatic relations between the two nations.

"[It was] the fact that China was too big, too important, to be left out of the international system...It's still important, the fact thatCanada was so early in opening the relations."

'Is it perfect? Absolutely not'

According to Stewart Beck, President and CEO of the Asia Pacific Foundation,Canada's positive image during the Cultural Revolution in China persists in his work with senior officials in the Chinese governmenttoday.

He says this image was established by Canada's aid policy, and the image of people like NormanBethune aCanadian physician revered in China, who helped treat wounded soldiers during the country'swar with Japan.

"In the sixties, when China was going through a difficult time, we provided wheat," said Beck."We've always [been] seen as being a country that's supportive and helpful."

This translated into real experiences for Beck, former consul general in Shanghai, who says he often had betteraccess to senior officials in the Shanghai municipal government than his American colleagues.

Beck also said China's records on governance and corruption are still issues thatneedto be addressed, but that the way they are often discussed is changing.

"Is it perfect? Absolutely not." he said."But there are conversations happening today, that weren't happening in China 10 or 15 years ago."

The newTrudeau

With Justin Trudeau's new Liberal government, bothTiberghienand Beck believe there is potential for new developments in Canada-China relations today.

"The Chinese always have a long historical memory," saidTiberghien.

Beck says Chinese officials are looking for a consistent approach to diplomacy.

"I think this new government has a history, and will take that history forward."

Tohearthefullinterview, listento the audio labelled 45 years of Canada-China relationswiththe CBC's The Early Edition.