Canada and China: A Fifty-Year Journey

Presenting a thorough record of Canada's diplomatic ties with China, Canada and China recounts ten stories regarding China policy decisions made by the Canadian government. These decisions describe key bilateral moves, beginning with Pierre Trudeau and recognition in 1970, and ending fifty years later with his son Justin as Prime Minister.

Rooted in archival research, extensive interviews, and B. Michael Frolic's lived experience as a policy observer, the book contributes to our understanding of how the Canada-China relationship has developed over time and how best to position Canada in future relationships with China. The ten decisions discussed in the book are the result of two decades of research and behind the scenes discussion with Prime Ministers, Ministers, Ambassadors, and China specialists, revealing the challenges, successes, and limitations of our engagement with China.

While present-day relations with China are complicated, the book deliberately seeks to provide a balanced perspective by showing both the positive and the more challenging aspects of relations with China. Canada and China concludes that we should maintain the ties we have developed over fifty years and recommends ways to manage our future relations.