Since welcoming the inaugural cohort of the Canada China Forum – we have rapidly grown our membership, programming and initiatives. This reflects the increasing interest from the next generation of Canadian leaders towards the future of the Canada-China relationship. The Canada China Forum’s first anniversary provides us with an opportunity to reflect on our inaugural year and plan for the future as the bilateral relationship between Canada and China continues to evolve.

2021 marked a pivotal year for Canada-China relations, highlighted by the release of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor back to Canada and Meng Wanzhou to China, which ended a three-way diplomatic ordeal between Canada, China, and the United States that lasted over 1,000 days. Moreover, after being re-elected for a third consecutive term, the Liberal Party also has appointed a new Minister of Foreign Affairs tasked with formulating the new Indo-Pacific strategy that will encompass Canada’s approach to China. The state of the bilateral relationship continues to remain icy.

The year’s events illustrate the increasing relevance of our core mission: to convene a new generation of Canadian leaders who are globally-minded and China-competent, and who may contribute to Canada’s future engagement with China in service of the national interest.

Last year, we recruited more than 50 members from across Canada, ranging from coast to coast, including approximately a dozen Canadians who live, study or work outside of Canada, ranging from London to Shanghai. These members have helped enhance the Forum’s global footprint and perspective.

Through our events and virtual community, our members have been active in connecting, collaborating and impacting the direction of the Canada-China relationship. Equipped with diverse life experiences and backgrounds, our members shared their insights, knowledge and curiosity with each other throughout the 21 events we held in 2021.

With no shortage of topics to explore, we brought together 15 thought-leaders, decision-makers, and practitioners to share their perspectives and insights during our events. Members had the opportunity to engage in frank, open and honest discussions with one another and our guest speakers to better understand the multifaceted challenges confronting Sino-Canadian relations.

In order to provide greater opportunities for our members to deep-dive into timely issues and strengthen their China competencies, we launched the Accelerator Program, partnering with our Foundational Partners—the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada and the Canada China Business Council—to initiate two research projects for our ten Research Fellows. Moreover, within the Forum, we have encouraged members to join “micro communities”, such as the Literary Circle, Social Programming Committee, and the Francophone Affairs Committee, in order to expand their engagement with like-minded members.

As we enter our second year of operation, we are guided by the same momentum and energy that led us to originally launch the Canada China Forum. The year 2022 will provide no shortage of issues for us to examine, and we thank you for your support as we continue to find ways to recalibrate the Canada-China relationship in service of the national interest.