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Sunday@4: China Today and it’s Implications for Canada
January 27, 2019 @ 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Free
Every year the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada conducts a National Opinion Poll on Canadians attitudes toward Asia and individual Asian countries. The results for China, in the 2018 poll and in previous polls, are mixed. In the most recent poll, 60% of respondents agreed with the statement that China is more of an opportunity than a threat, based largely on the perception that improved trade relations with Asia, and China in particular, are important to Canada’s future prosperity. At the same time, many Canadians have “negative feelings” about China, associated with its human rights record, environmental conditions and its government. “Positive feelings” are associated with China’s economy, culture, history). On the economic front a majority of Canadians think that China offers great potential for Canada, but Canadians are wary of “too much investment from China”, particularly in real estate and strategic resources.
These polling results illustrate well the divergence of views toward China and the challenge of assessing it as either an opportunity for Canada or a threat.
Join Hugh Stephens, Distinguished Fellow at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada in a discussion of China’s recent political, economic and strategic developments, including the Belt and Road Initiative, recent internal political developments and foreign policy issues such as the US-China trade dispute and China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea. He will look at China’s place as part of Canada’s international trade strategy and the role of bilateral investment. Finally he will make some personal recommendations as to where Canada should go with a China strategy, seeking comment from the audience.
Cash bar opens: 3:30 pm Program starts: 4:00 pm
**Buffet Dinner (reserved guests only) immediately following the program:
Thai Menu (@ $21+tax+gratuity): Red curry chicken breast with bamboo shoots and basil, mild Szechuan green beans, coconut rice, Thai noodle salad with peanut sauce and beansprouts.
Prior Reservation Required (dinner only) – deadline Thursday, Jan. 24 – noon: email: jdinn@fairwinds.ca or call: 250-468-9915 (NB: Minimum 40 people required for buffet – please sign up ASAP)