This book offers an overview of Canada’s fifty-year relationship with China, a narrative journey from diplomatic recognition to the present.
Presenting a thorough record of Canada’s diplomatic ties with China, Canada and China recounts ten stories regarding China policy decisions made by the Canadian government. These decisions describe key bilateral moves, beginning with Pierre Trudeau’s recognition of China in 1970 and ending fifty years later with his son Justin’s attempt to reset a struggling relationship with China.
Rooted in archival research, extensive interviews, and the author’s experience as a policy observer, the book contributes to our understanding of how the Canada-China relationship has developed over time and how best to position Canada in future relations with China.
While present-day relations with China are complicated, the book deliberately seeks to provide a balanced perspective by showing both the positive and the more challenging aspects of relations with China. Ultimately, Canada and China recommends ways to manage future relations with China, while also honouring the ties it developed over fifty years.
‘Based on official files and extensive interviews with key political leaders, diplomats, and China experts, Canada and China takes the reader behind the scenes via a lively narrative of the key moments in the relationship. Now more than ever, historical perspective is essential, both for those who are shaping Canada’s China policy, and those who want to deepen their understanding of it.’ - Pascale Massot, Assistant Professor, School of Political Studies, University of Ottawa
‘Drawing on Frolic’s long-time experience and unique scholarly insight, Canada and China is foundational reading for students and observers of Canada-China relations at any level.’ - Gregory T. Chin, Associate Professor of Political Science, York University, and former Canadian diplomat
‘This timely and well-researched book is an important resource on the bilateral relations that are full of promises but also fraught with tensions at the same time.’ - Lynette Ong, Associate Professor of Political Science, Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, University of Toronto
‘A distinctive fusion of detailed documentary history, colourful memoir, and sage political commentary, this is the most comprehensive and engaging chronicle of the half century of interactions between Canada and the PRC as seen through the eyes of the key diplomats, politicians, and officials who helped shape it.’ - Paul Evans, HSBC Chair in Asian Research, School of Public Policy and Global Affairs, University of British Columbia
