On October 13, 2025, Chinese Ambassador to Canada Wang Di published a byline article titled "China–Canada Relations: Setting Sail Toward a Brighter Future" on the Hill Times, to commemorate the 55th anniversary of China-Canada diplomatic relations and the 20th anniversary of China-Canada strategic partnership. The full text is as follows:

On October 13, 1970, China and Canada officially established diplomatic relations, making Canada one of the first Western countries to recognize the People’s Republic of China. In September 2005, the two countries established a strategic partnership, injecting new vitality into China–Canada cooperation. Recently, both sides have taken practical and constructive steps to improve and develop the bilateral relations. Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney had a phone conversation and then an in-person meeting with each other, reaching important consensus. Exchanges between the two sides at all levels and across various fields have continuously increased, bringing a positive momentum to the China–Canada relations. This is widely welcomed by people from all walks of life in both countries. At this new historic juncture, it is of great significance to review the past and look forward to the future, so as to promote sound, steady and sustainable development of the bilateral relations.    

Let’s Advocate Seeking Common Ground While Shelving Differences

As a Chinese proverb goes, “True friends always feel close to each other regardless of distance keeping them apart.” China–Canada relations have a solid historical foundation and had long been among the best of China’s ties with Western countries. Dr. Norman Bethune traveled thousands of miles to support the Chinese people in the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression. Canada was among the first to break through the Western embargo against China and export wheat to China. Then-Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, with extraordinary political foresight, made the historic decision to establish diplomatic ties with New China. These stories have become lasting symbols of China–Canada friendship.

Given the differences in political and social systems, history, culture and stage of development, it is normal for China and Canada to have different views on some issues, but there is no fundamental conflict of interests between the two countries. China–Canada relations should not be hijacked by ideological biases nor dominated by differences. China has always regarded Canada as a friend and partner, and is willing to move forward together with Canada, to strengthen dialogue and exchanges, respect each other’s core interests and major concerns, seek common ground while shelving differences in a constructive way, and ensure the steady and sustainable development of our bilateral relations.    

Let’s Pursue Mutual Benefit and Win-Win Cooperation

The highly complementary resource endowments and economic structures of our two countries provide enormous potential for mutually beneficial cooperation that we can unlock. China has long been Canada’s second-largest trading partner. In the first eight months of this year, Canada’s exports to China increased by 7.8% year on year. After the Trans Mountain Expansion Project began operation last year, China has become the largest buyer of the pipeline’s additional output. Since April this year, Canada has also begun exporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) to China. Calls within Canada for strengthening pragmatic cooperation with China have been growing louder for some time.

These facts fully demonstrate that strengthening practical cooperation serves the interests of both peoples, with strong internal driving force and practical necessity. China and Canada can address each other’s economic and trade concerns through dialogue and consultation, and further deepen cooperation in areas such as energy, green development, and tourism, bringing greater benefits to both peoples. We also hope that the Canadian side will provide a fair and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises in Canada.    

Let’s Defend the International Order 

The international landscape is undergoing profound changes, with unilateralism and protectionism on the rise. The international community should strengthen solidarity and work together to jointly tackle risks and challenges. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The more turbulent the world becomes, the more important it is to remember history, resolutely defend the victorious outcome of WWII, and uphold the post-war international order.

In September this year, Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward the Global Governance Initiative. China stands ready to work with Canada and the rest of the international community to jointly uphold multilateralism, safeguard a free and open international trading system, improve global governance mechanisms, and respond together to climate change and other global challenges.    

Let’s Set Sail Toward a Brighter Future 

The 55 years of development in China-Canada relations has proven that as long as both sides adhere to the principles of correct perception, mutual respect, seeking common ground while shelving differences, and mutual benefit, our relations will move forward smoothly and yield fruitful outcomes. China is ready to work with Canada, taking the opportunities of the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the 20th anniversary of our strategic partnership this year, to earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, and to continuously advance bilateral relations, serving each other’s national development and bringing more tangible benefits to both peoples. We are confident that with the concerted efforts of both sides, China–Canada relations will once again set sail and steer toward a brighter future.