Time for Canadian gov't to rethink approach to China: report

After a decade of sporadic Canadian engagement with China, the time has come for a more ambitious and comprehensive approach and the Canadian government should take the lead, a report said Tuesday.

The report, issued by the Canadian Institute for Research on Public Policy and titled "The Future of Canada's Relationship with China," said that China remains an enigma to most Canadians.

"We have yet to fully grasp the potentially profound implications of the emergence of this global power for our country. What is missing is public leadership and education," it said.

It urged the newly elected Liberal government to rethink its approach to China by integrating trade, security and diplomatic considerations.

It called for the Liberal government to lead from the very top in adopting a "whole-of-country" approach to build on complementary economic interests, particularly in the areas of agricultural production, energy resources and clean energy, to modernize economic ties by pursuing a free trade agreement with China and joining the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

It also proposed that the government should start a national dialogue to better inform Canadians about the opportunities in China.

Rekindling this relationship with China won't be easy, the report said,adding that this new approach will require engaging the public to forge a better understanding of China and the importance of creating closer ties.

"China has values and institutions that are different from our own, but we should learn about them and live with China as it evolves. Standing up for our values and institutions will be one of the key factors in a complex relationship that we need to deepen rather than limit," said the report.

The time to act is now and this new approach will only be possible if the government commits to lead, the report added. Endi