January 1, 2024 – As we bid farewell to the year that was and welcome the promise of a new one, it gives me immense pleasure to extend a new year’s greeting to each and every one of you as we enter 2024.

A personal note of reflection – I have been leading the Forum for close to four years now, and I am delighted to see the community grow with 2023 being our most impactful year yet since our launch during the pandemic. The past year was a strong year for the Forum, and your engagement and contributions to the Canada China Forum have been invaluable. As we refresh our strategy for 2024, the focus will be to turn this “scrappy” organization into a resilient and strategic powerhouse, poised to achieve even greater heights in the future. The sentiments behind doing anything China-related can be challenging in today’s environment; however, we remain committed to the notion that understanding China will be critical to pursuing Canada’s national interests whether bilaterally, regionally in the Indo-Pacific or globally in multilateral institutions. This perspective is understood by Canada’s allies and partners, who are working to stabilize relations or dialogue with Beijing. There’s much more Canada can do to foster that next generation of Canadian leaders.

Throughout 2023, we hosted 25+ in-person and virtual events. With more than 100+ members in Canada and abroad, 3 community hubs, and 19 advisors, the diverse perspectives and collaborative spirit of our members have made the forum a vibrant and enriching community fostering the next generation of Canadian leaders who are globally-minded and China-competent.

We were thrilled to organize a diverse range of programming, featuring highlights such as an illuminating session with Canada’s Ambassador to China, Jennifer May, the complexities of public and private sector negotiations with China, and a comprehensive 10-part China Masterclass Series delving into the intricacies of China’s culture, history, economy, and society, along with an overview of the multifaceted factors influencing Canada-China relations. Transitioning seamlessly from virtual engagements to in-person interactions, we also celebrated the launch of two local Chapters in Ottawa and Toronto with several social events hosted, further expanding our reach and impact within the community.

Unexpectedly, it wasn’t a dull year for Canada-China relations as the numerous events unfolded throughout 2023. We kept track of a few notable moments that will continue to shape the future of the bilateral relationship.

  1. The first week of February saw Canada and the U.S. quickly mobilising itself to shoot down four Chinese “spy” balloons over North America (two of the objects were brought down over the Yukon or close to Lake Huron);
  2. The House of Commons Special Committee on the Canada–People’s Republic of China Relationship released its report titled Canada and Taiwan: A Strong Relationship in Turbulent Times in March;
  3. Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland halted Canada’s participation in the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) following accusations by the bank’s former global communications director, a Canadian, that the bank was “dominated by the [Chinese] Communist Party.”
  4. Amidst domestic criticism, Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault attended the annual general meeting of the China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development in August.
  5. In September, Ottawa launched a public inquiry into foreign interference determining whether China, Russia and other countries interfered in Canadian federal elections in 2019 and 2021;
  6. As China’s sluggish economy continues to recover, Chinese ambassador Cong Peiwu softened China’s rhetoric noting that Canada should look for shared interests (i.e. trade), instead of picking fights. A stark difference from the famous “wolf-warrior diplomacy.”
  7. At the APAC Summit in San Francisco, Prime Minister Trudeau and President Xi exchanged brief “hellos” with no official meetings while China and the US worked to restore diplomatic dialogue.

The Forum’s operations, programming and initiatives would not be possible without the Leadership Team, chapter leads, advisors, mentors, and volunteers, who dedicate their time, expertise, and passion to ensure the success of the Forum’s vision. The tireless efforts of the Leadership Team, composed of dedicated volunteers who steer the course of our organization, and the commitment of our chapter leads, advisors, and mentors who provide guidance and support at every step, form the backbone of the Canada China Forum. As we express our gratitude for the past year’s accomplishments, we look forward to the continued collaboration and collective achievements that will undoubtedly shape the future of our community.

We thank you for your continued support, welcome any thoughts and advice you may have for a better Canada China Forum. May the coming year bring prosperity, good health, and boundless opportunities for growth in 2024.

Darren Touch, Founder & CEO