On March 9, 2009, Professor Terry Hickey led a group of students from the Business School of Loyalist College of Ontario for a visit to the Chinese Embassy in Canada. Minister Counsellor Yang Youming of the Chinese Embassy received them.

Minister Counsellor Yang, using China's geography, demography, nationalities, history and culture as a starting point, briefed the group on the great achievements China has made in the 60 years since the founding of the People's Republic, especially the past 30 years of reform and opening-up as well as the historical development of China-Canada relations with vivid examples and lively figures. Mr. Yang said that reform and opening-up has drastically improved the livelihood of the Chinese people and brought about earth-shaking changes in China. On the other hand, the development of China itself has also made major contribution to the peace and stability of the world at large.

Minister Counsellor Yang said next year will mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Canada. Over the years, economic interests of China and Canada are becoming ever more interconnected. Coordination and cooperation between the two countries in international affairs has been expanding. The Channels for dialogue and communication between the two countries have also been broadening. The Chinese side attaches great importance to China-Canada relations and stands ready to make joint efforts with the Canadian side to push for the constant improvement and healthy development of China-Canada relations.

Minister Counsellor Yang then answered questions from the group. The group also watched with great interest a short documentary entitled "Four Seasons in China".