Young people studying, working, and living across borders are quietly reshaping the future of Canada–China relations — building trust, connection, and cooperation through real‑world experience rather than political rhetoric.
At a recent roundtable hosted at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Ottawa, Canadian academics, NGO representatives, policy experts, and graduate students gathered to discuss practical ways to advance the China–Canada New Strategic Partnership. The event brought together voices from both countries, including Ambassador Wang di and senior representatives from the embassy and other stakeholders for a wide-ranging conversation on diplomacy, education, cultural exchange, and future cooperation. Among the speakers was Chen Chen, a master’s student from Shanghai currently studying at the University of Ottawa’s Graduate School of Public and International Affairs.
Speaking as a student representative, she offered thoughtful and heartfelt reflections on how connection, cooperation, and trust can strengthen the relationship between China and Canada.
By Chen Chen
New Strategic Partnership on the Right Track
My Perspective on China–Canada Relations
Speaker: Chen CHEN Student Representative, University of Ottawa
GSPIA (Graduate School of Public and International Affairs)
Good morning, Your Excellency, distinguished guests.
Bonjour à toutes et à tous.
My name is Chen Chen. I am a master’s student from Shanghai and currently an exchange student at the University of Ottawa. It is a great honour for me to share my thoughts on the China–Canada New Strategic Partnership from the perspective of someone who has experienced it personally during the past ten months.
I would also like to summarize my experience in three words: connection, cooperation, and trust.
First, People connect us.
China and Canada have enjoyed more than half a century of diplomatic relations. Over the years, our two countries have built a strong foundation through exchanges in education, culture, business, and people-to-people interactions.
Education, in particular, is what brought me here and what continues to bring our societies closer together. Thanks to the exchange program between Shanghai International Studies University and the University of Ottawa, I have had the opportunity to study international affairs alongside Canadian classmates. Every discussion in class, every group project, and every conversation outside the classroom has helped me better understand Canada and its culture, while also giving me opportunities to introduce China to my Canadian friends.
Many Chinese people have a very positive impression of Canada. Almost everyone grows up hearing the story of Dr. Norman Bethune, whose spirit of humanitarianism remains deeply respected in China. More recently, many Chinese people have followed Prime Minister Mark Carney’s speeches with great interest. His emphasis on dialogue, cooperation, and the important role of middle powers resonates with many of us.
What excites me more is China’s new visa-free policy for Canadian visitors. The first thing I thought of was inviting my Canadian friends to visit China — to visit Shanghai and even my hometown, a small city in southern China. Whenever I invite them, they always respond enthusiastically. Many of them tell me that they have always wanted to visit Asia, especially Japan.
That is when I realize that China could do more work to strengthen its soft power and attract more visitors from around the world. My answer is always, “Yes, let’s do it all. Let’s visit China, Japan, and all the other Asian countries. Asia has so many amazing places to discover.” Just like the ongoing World Cup, which is jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, we should approach the future with the same spirit of openness and cooperation. I believe the door to an even stronger friendship is now wide open. The opportunities are already there — we simply need the willingness to move forward.
Second, Cooperation benefits us.
China and Canada have many opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.
Even before coming to Canada, I was already familiar with Canadian brands such as Lululemon, Tim Hortons, and Canada Goose. They are extremely popular in China and have become part of many people’s daily lives in Shanghai, and pretty much all of China.
Since arriving in Canada and being here listening to these amazing speeches, I’ve realized that there are even more opportunities than I expected. I have heard not only from the news, but also from my classmates, professors, and people working in different industries, that there is a genuine desire to strengthen ties between our two countries.
There is enormous potential in agricultural exports, clean technology, electric vehicles, infrastructure, and innovation. Stronger cooperation can create opportunities for businesses, workers, and consumers in both countries.
At the same time, China also has much to learn from Canada. As outlined in China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, China is placing increasing emphasis not only on investing in infrastructure, but also on investing in people — through education, healthcare, innovation, and improving people’s quality of life. These are areas where our two countries can learn from each other and grow together.
Third, Trust moves us forward.
In today’s world, many global challenges cannot be solved by one country alone. Climate change, sustainable development, global health, and economic recovery all require international cooperation.
China has proposed building a more just and equitable global governance system, while Prime Minister Carney has also highlighted the important role that middle powers like Canada can play in addressing today’s international challenges.
This shows that despite our differences, China and Canada share many common concerns and have every reason to work together.
Of course, trust is not built overnight. There will always be misunderstandings and disagreements between countries. But living and studying in Canada has taught me that the best way to overcome these differences is through communication, mutual respect, and genuine understanding. It’s easy to talk about these values, but it takes real-life experience to truly understand what they mean.
Looking back on the past ten months, I realize that I have learned much more than what was taught in the classroom. Every conversation, every friendship, and every cultural exchange helps build trust little by little.
Later this year, I will return to China. But part of my heart will always remain here with my Canadian friends. I sincerely hope they will visit China someday, just as Canada has welcomed me.
If more young people continue to study together, work together, and learn from each other, I believe the China–Canada New Strategic Partnership is truly on the right track.
Thank you very much! Merci beaucoup!
Photo: iStock
