Report

The Co-Chairs of the Canada-China Legislative Association (CCLA), the Honourable Joseph A. Day, Senator, and Mr. Daryl Kramp, M.P. conducted the CCLA annual Co-Chairs visit to China from March 12 to 22, 2009. During this time the Co-Chairs had the opportunity to visit Beijing, Nanchang (Jiangxi Province), Guangzhou (Guangdong Province) and Shanghai. While in Beijing, the Co-Chairs met with their counterparts in the Chinese branch of the CCLA. The Co-Chairs were accompanied by Ms. Elizabeth Kingston, Executive Secretary to the CCLA.

Objectives:

The objectives of the visit were:

• to continue the renewal and reinvigoration of the CCLA relationship following the 10^th Bilateral meeting of June 2007; 
• to apprise the Chinese of the political situation in Canada;   
• to learn more about Chinese-Canadian business, cultural and political links, and to promote enhanced cooperation at all these levels;
• to discuss the objectives and parameters for the 11^th Bilateral meeting scheduled to take place in Canada in June 2009, as well as the 12^th Bilateral meeting to take place in September 2009 in China;  and  
• to promote friendship and the normalization of regular opportunities for dialogue with Chinese counterparts.

Beijing:

Upon their arrival in Beijing, the delegation attended a briefing by the Embassy of Canada to China in Beijing, which included information concerning the current situation in China, Canada-China relations and a summary of the second session of the 11^th Meeting of the National Peoples’ Congress (NPC), concluded just prior to the visit. The Co-Chairs were informed that this meeting focussed on the current world economic crisis and the endorsement of a government work plan to promote economic and social development as well as an overall stimulus plan totalling $585 billion, as outlined in November. Premier Wen stated that 8% growth was obtainable in China this year, despite World Bank predictions that growth would be no greater than 6%. He acknowledged the unprecedented difficulties faced by China and called for unified efforts to combat the downturn, while at the same time working to reduce the reliance of its citizens on the state. From a trade perspective, the Co-Chairs were informed that China is now Canada’s second largest trading partner, following only the United States and it welcomes the eventual visits of both the Honourable Stockwell Day, the Minister for International Trade in April and the visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Lawrence Cannon in May. An eventual visit by the Prime Minister would do much to signal a firm Canadian investment in political capital and ease the concerns of the Chinese following a perceived loss of trust and influence between the two governments. The major areas in which Canada could be of greatest benefit to China lies in issues of governance, health care, trade and investment, energy efficiency and the environment. The tragedy of the Sichuan earthquake was also discussed where over 88,000 people were killed. Canada was the second greatest contributor in relief efforts, and China was most appreciative of this effort. 

While in Beijing, the delegation met with Liu Jieyi, the Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jiang Shusheng, Vice-Chairman of the 11^th NPC Standing Committee, and Chairman of the Central Committee of the China Democratic League, (a political party separate from the Communist Party of China) Zheng Silin, Executive Vice Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the NPC and the new Chinese Chair of the Canada-China Legislative Association (CCLA),as well as with Chinese business and financial sector senior officials, all members of the Central Organization Department of the Chinese Communist Party (CPCCC). The Beijing visit also included a tour of the CIDA Civil Society Project One-on-One, a radio broadcast facility maintained by physically challenged individuals.  Through regular broadcasts, this facility is designed to target the visually impaired audience in China. Highlights of each of these meetings are outlined below.

Liu Jieyi – Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs:

Mr. Liu stated that China attaches great importance to the relationship between Canada and China, and thanked the CCLA for its work in strengthening this relationship.  Moreover, he was hopeful that more exchanges would occur between the two countries at the administrative, executive and parliamentary levels.  The tragic results of the Sichuan earthquake were discussed, particularly from the perspective of the tremendous reconstruction efforts. It is expected that life would return to normal within a three year timeframe, with sound green technology being incorporated to create environmentally friendly buildings and communities in the region. He thanked Canada for its significant contribution in rescue and reconstruction assistance.  Moreover, China has initiated for the entire nation compulsory targets to reduce pollutants and consumption in energy use by 20% over a five year period while ensuring that all growth is within a sustainable and environmental friendly context. 

With regard to the issue of Tibet, Mr. Liu stated that the Dalai Lama’s agenda is a political and separatist agenda, rather than a spiritual one and that his ultimate aim is to have Tibet separate from China. However, the Co-Chairs did state that Canadians distinguish between the Dalai Lama’s religious, spiritual and political motives and believe that these motives are different and should be evaluated separately. Mr. Liu highlighted the solid growth Tibet has experienced since 1959, most notably in the areas of the economy, education and life expectancy.

Finally, the Co-Chairs congratulated the Chinese on the tremendous success of the 2008 summer Olympic Games and commented that the success was reflective of the nation and its people, in turn leading to a collective success of the event on the part of the entire world community.

Zheng Silin – Executive Vice-Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee and Chinese Chair of the China –Canada Legislative Association:

The meeting participants discussed the plans for the upcoming 11^th bilateral meeting of the CCLA to Canada. The dates of June 3 – 10 were agreed upon as well as preliminary acceptance of the program to include a visit to Vancouver, Toronto, Prince Edward County, Kingston, and Ottawa.  The bilateral meetings would focus on climate change, tourism, parliamentary exchanges, the world financial crisis and bilateral relations.  The Canadian delegates also discussed the possibility of conducting a 12^th bilateral meeting to China sometime early in the fall of 2009.

Jiang Shusheng – Vice-Chairman of the 11^th National People’s Congress Standing Committee and Chairman of the China Democratic League Central Committee:

Mr. Jiang began by expressing his gratitude to Canada for its assistance during the Sichuan earthquake and its support of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. He acknowledged the common bonds of the two countries, and suggested there is much potential for a strategic partnership based on mutual respect and appreciation of common interests, despite ideological differences. He encouraged the notion of exchanges between the two Parliaments as a means to promote mutual understanding and friendship. The delegation then discussed the world economic downturn and both sides agreed that lawmakers have a major role to play in ensuring that nations do not become overly protectionist. Both sides agreed that no one could have predicted the rapid spread and enormity of the seriousness of the crisis. Mr. Jiang stated that in the two sessions of the NPC, recently concluded, deputies approved an economic and social plan designed to combat the economic crisis, formulated with clear guidelines to guarantee growth, while boosting domestic demand and economic development, all the while ensuring the development of a greener society and reducing carbon emissions.  During the session, deputies offered valuable suggestions to combat the economic crisis and Premier Wen’s statement at the session did much to boost the confidence of the country in the formative actions taken, such as the investment into the economy of 4 trillion yen. Both delegations also acknowledged the fact that China is Canada’s number two trading partner, and as such, legislators cannot put obstacles in the way to make trade more difficult.

Zhang Zhijun – Vice Minister, International Department of the Communist Party of China:

Vice Minister Zhang congratulated the work of the CCLA in fostering the ties between Canada and China and informed the Co-Chairs of his upcoming visit to Canada. Both delegations recognized the great scope for further economic cooperation between the two countries, and although not denying the irritants that exist in the relationship, growing cooperation between the two countries would serve to diminish these differences and heighten the level of mutual trust. The present economic crisis has threatened the economies of all countries around the globe and hope was expressed that decisions made by individual countries to stimulate the economy would be made with a long term perspective, while focussing on issues of sustainable development, the environment and infrastructure. It was noted that the opening of six more Canadian trade offices in China would do much to foster understanding and trade relations between the two countries. The case of Mr. Li was also discussed, with the Co-Chairs stating that while Canada does not view him as a refugee, due process needs to be exercised, consistent with the laws of Canada.

Meeting with Chinese Business and Financial Sector senior officials:

During the meeting both parties remarked on the fact that China has the world’s fastest growing economy and could become the world’s largest economy by 2025. This fact alone allows for tremendous potential for trade and business relations between the two countries, as already China and Canada share an increasingly prosperous relationship, with China becoming Canada’s second largest trading partner. Moreover, during this time of the global economic crisis, both parties agreed that Canada’s sound banking system has done much to increase the awareness and assurance of stability in undertaking business ventures with Canada. China also experiences a sound banking system, holding 12% of the world’s reserves, as well as a good loan record, good asset management, and good liquidity. Given the sound financial base of each country, it holds good potential for business opportunities.

CIDA Civil Society Project One-on- One:

Launched in 1998, CIDA’s Civil Society Program (CSP) supports independent Chinese civil society organizations working on key human rights and social issues. It provides seed finding to strengthen the participation of citizens groups and NGO’s in public policy and decision making. The program also promotes greater acceptance of citizen and NGO participation in public discourse by government circles and communities. The CSP is administered by the Canadian Embassy in Beijing. As of March 2009, the project has supported the creation of 35 new NGO’s in China and helped to strengthen 160 others. The Co-Chairs had the opportunity to visit one of these projects while in Beijing where Canadian funds were used to establish a Chinese NGO run by physically challenged individuals. The Centre has three purposes: it serves as an information focus, promotes and lobbies for a policy framework for physically and mentally challenged individuals in Chinese society, and maintains contact with similar grassroots organizations.  The project boasts great achievements, as the radio broadcast has become increasingly popular, and is now transmitted by some 150 radio stations across China. Moreover, through the support of this group, the Para-Olympics in Beijing were able to welcome China’s first blind journalist as part of the media group for the Games. In all, this most successful project is a prime example of the true spirit of Canadian values.

Nanchang, Jiangxi Province:

The Co-Chairs had the opportunity to visit the city of Nanchang, capital of Jiangxi province and were given a brief overview of the remarkable culture and history both of the city and of Jiangxi province as a whole. Nanchang is the birthplace of the People’s Revolutionary Army, where the first shot was fired on August 1, 1927. Jiangxi Province is situated in the south of the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River and surrounded by mountain ranges on three sides, with a population of 43 million, and 11 prefecture-level cities, encompassing 99 counties. It is rich in natural resources such as copper, silver, uranium, tungsten and gold. Jiangxi province is also renowned   as the porcelain capital of China.  Moreover, the province boasts great economic and social development. Gratitude was expressed for the long-standing, friendly relationship with the CCLA and look forward to a long and positive relationship with Jiangxi province, based on friendship, development and cooperation both culturally and economically.

While in Nanchang, the Co-Chairs met with Zhu Bingfa, Deputy Director of the Standing Committee of Jiangxi Provincial People’s Congress and discussed possible means of partnership, based on the wealth of natural resources for both countries.

Guangzhou, Guangdong Province: 

Guangdong province is at the front lines of China’s economic reforms, as both institutional and market economy reforms began in this province. The province itself is responsible for one-eighth of the total Chinese economic production, having surpassed Singapore and Taiwan in its output. As a result, the current financial crisis has had a strong impact on the region. When in Guangzhou, the Co-Chairs met with Chen Yongzhi, Vice-Chairman of the Standing Committee of Guangdong Provincial People’s Congress and expressed their appreciation for the strong economic development exercised by the region. They acknowledged that this time of economic downturn would present a fruitful opportunity to build upon the already established economic partnership with Canada.

The Co-Chairs also met with Chen Hongyu, Vice-president of the Guangdong Provincial Communist Party of China (CPC) Party School, and were informed of the programs and exchanges offered to those officials of the government of Guangdong province. Its role is not only to educate officials, but also to serve as a think –tank for provincial and local governments in Guangdong province and as a forum for cooperation with other education research centres in China.

Shanghai:

While in Shanghai, the Co-Chairs had a briefing with the Canadian Consulate. Shanghai, on the Yangzi River Delta (YRD), is China’s largest city with a population of over 20.6 million, representing approximately 1.2% of China’s population. There are over 150 Canadian companies located in the Consulate’s General territory and opportunities for growth are palpable in this most dynamic environment. Canada’s business development plan for the region is focussed in the areas of investment, transportation, bio-industry, building products and technologies, the environment and agriculture. Also of note is that Shanghai will host Expo 2010. The budget for the Canadian Pavilion is set at $ 45 million, with the Cirque du Soleil taking the lead in the design and programming. The World Exposition is scheduled to run from May 1 to October 31, 2010.

Miscellaneous:

While in Beijing, the delegation had the opportunity to tour the new National Performing Arts Centre as well as the site of the 2008 Olympic Games. While in Nanchang the delegates visited the Tianxiang Garden, the Teng Wang Pavillion as well as the Military Museum.  In Guangzhou a visit was arranged to the Guangdong Folk Arts Museum.

Conclusion:

This visit to China was an excellent opportunity for the Co-Chairs of the CCLA to expand further their knowledge of and contacts in China and to conduct essential research for the upcoming 12^th bilateral visit to China, scheduled to take place from September 18 to 27, 2009. It was also vitally important to the planning of the 11^th bilateral visit of the CCLA to Canada to be able to travel to China to raise Canada’s profile in China and to gather vital information to assist in the planning of this meeting. Moreover, it offered the opportunity to strengthen, reinforce and reinvigorate the already robust relationship that exists between Canada and China as fostered through visits of this kind by the CCLA.  A summary of the travel costs is appended to this report.

 

Respectfully submitted,