In November 2025, the Centre for Chinese Research (CCR) sponsored MPPGA student and IAR Research Fellow Celine (Hang Cheng) Ip to attend the Canada–China Forum’s 2025 Emerging Leaders Dialogue at the Senate of Canada in Ottawa. The event brought together more than 30 emerging leaders from across the country for a full-day discussion on the future of Canada–China relations. Below, Celine shares her reflections.
A Day of High-Level Dialogue
Throughout the day, we listened to high-level briefings from experts, covering topics from Canada–China trade, human security, to diaspora communities. It was a rare opportunity to hear directly from diplomats, industry experts, and scholars working in Canada-China relations, and see how they envisioned a constructive Canada-China relationship differently. Some expressed more optimistic views, seeing China as a strong partner for long-term cooperation, while others continued to raise concerns about issues such as human rights. Despite these differing perspectives, there was a broad consensus that engagement with China remains essential and that constructive dialogue is necessary to manage differences while pursuing mutual interests.
Unlike formal meetings, where every word is carefully scripted, this setting allowed the opportunity to speak with diplomats directly. We could ask questions and challenge assumptions in real time. When we asked a diplomat from the Chinese Embassy about their perspectives, the response offered insights that are impossible to gain from news reports alone. This experience made me reflect deeply on the role of informal diplomacy and how on-the-ground discussions can build understanding and trust between countries in ways official meetings often cannot.
Key Takeaways on Canada–China Relations:
- A nuanced understanding of China is essential, recognizing both risks and opportunities.
- Canada must define its own strategic agenda, independent of U.S. priorities, to guide engagement with China in alignment with its national interests.
- Constructive engagement requires a consistent, long-term strategy supported by sustained dialogue across governments, business, and academia.
The Case for a Nuanced Understanding of China
One major theme that emerged from the discussion was the need for a realistic and nuanced understanding of China, one that separates fact from narrative and acknowledges both risks and opportunities. While concerns about human rights are real and must be taken seriously, an overly simplified framing risks limiting meaningful engagement. Such a realistic understanding cannot be achieved through trade agreements alone; rather, it is shaped through people-to-people ties, cultural exchange, and learning from countries with deeper expertise in engaging with China.
Defining a Canadian Agenda
Another significant theme that emerged was the role of the United States in shaping Canada’s approach to China. Participants emphasized the importance of establishing a Canadian agenda that is independent of U.S. priorities. This means that while Canada should continue to push back against actions by China that conflict with Canadian interests, it does not need to automatically mirror every U.S. policy. For instance, in the case of electric vehicles, a truly Canadian strategy might involve imposing provisional duties and launching a WTO investigation, rather than imposing a strict 100% tariff. By pursuing an independent strategy, Canada can safeguard its national interests while maintaining pragmatic engagement with China.
The Heart of the Matter
One participant asked a question that I found particularly thought-provoking: “How much tolerance does China have for Canada if they truly consider us a partner?” I could not disclose the response by the diplomat from the Chinese embassy due to Chatham House rules. Yet this question gets to the heart of Canada–China relations: it is not about being pro- or anti-China, but about identifying where Canada can assert itself and push back, and where we may face limits and need to compromise. At the same time, it is important to signal that Canada is genuinely committed to the relationship, rather than approaching it purely strategically.
Looking Ahead
By the end of the day, I left the dialogue with a clearer sense of what constructive bilateral engagement could look like for Canada and China, and the work needed at all levels. The experience reinforced that building a meaningful and sustainable Canada–China relationship is not a single policy or event, but a continuous process of listening, learning, and fostering genuine connections, precisely the kind of space this Forum creates.
