To mark the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Asian Business and Management Program (ABMP) at York University, a special panel explored the evolving landscape of Canada–China relations following Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent visit to Beijing. The discussion brought together leaders from higher education, business, academia and policy experts to reflect on both tangible outcomes and broader strategic shifts in Canadian engagement with China.
Welcoming remarks were delivered by distinguished guests, including Lisa Philipps (York’s Interim President and Vice-Chancellor); Shamali Gupta (Director of Greater China Division, Global Affairs Canada); and Luo Weidong (Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Toronto). Lisa Philipps highlighted the unique role of universities as long-term bridge-builders. Academic institutions take a long-term perspective, fostering people-to-people understanding even during periods of diplomatic uncertainty.
Panelists observed the resumption of dialogue between the two countries, marking an important milestone in trade and investment cooperation. Bijan Ahmadi, Executive Director of the Canada-China Business Council (CCBC), noted that following Prime Minister Carney’s visit, Canada is taking a pragmatic, well-structured approach with China that advances national interests and balances opportunity with risk in a changing global environment. Julia G. Bentley, former Ambassador and York Centre for Asian Research Associate, illustrated this point, noting that “beyond suggesting that canola and electric vehicles have replaced ping-pong diplomacy, Carney’s visit facilitated the reinvigoration of a suite of consultation mechanisms between Canada and China . . . these serve as the practical building blocks of engagement.” Douglas Proctor, Assistant Vice-President, Global Engagement and Partnerships at York University, invoked a guiding principle expressed by the Australian Foreign Minister: “We need to cooperate where we can, disagree where we must, but engage in our national interest.” Proctor noted that this principle encapsulates how Canada can frame a renewed approach to engagement with China.
Education and research remain key avenues for bilateral collaboration: education programs, alumni networks, research partnerships, and faculty exchanges were highlighted as durable channels for sustaining dialogue between nations. The discussion emphasized that programs like ABMP exemplify the value of sustained, creative engagement. Rui Wang, Professor and former Dean of the Faculty of Science at York University reflected that “ABMP shows that meaningful exchange - whether in education, business, or research - can thrive even in challenging times. It reminds us that constructive engagement is built incrementally, through dialogue, perseverance, and collaboration.”
The discussion at ABMP’s 25th anniversary not only celebrated past achievements but also provided a roadmap for resilient and informed engagement with China—anchored in Canadian national interests, values, and a commitment to people-to-people connections.
On this occasion, ABMP also announced this year’s China Insight Fund opportunity, with applications due by May 11, 2026, reaffirming its commitment to supporting innovative research and dialogue on Canada–China relations. The fund supports research on evolving economic, social, and institutional dynamics linking Canada and Chinese-speaking economies and political systems.
If you are interested in viewing the full panel discussion, please check it out here.
A.Z. Felipe photographs