April 25th, 2017--the director of China Institute in the University of Alberta, Professor Gordon Houlden, who is a famous expert on China and the former director of Northeast Asia Department of Global Affairs of Canada,revisited CCS in the accompany of Han Pingping， who is the Cultural Affair Officer of Canadian Consulate in Guangzhou. It is known that Professor Gordon was accompanying the Premier of Alberta. The director of CCS-- Professor Xiaosong Tang, research fellows and students of CCS participated in the discussion. Moreover, Gary Wasserman, the political science professor in Gorgetown University, also took part in the conversation.
Professor Gordon briefly introduced the China Institute of Alberta University, including the research fellows, their main research field, ongoing projects, etc.
At the meeting, all participants shared their own opinions on many issues, such as the history of and prospects for China-Canada relations, the implications for both Canada and the political, economic and trade relations between the US and Canada, the future of the Free Trade Agreement between China and Canada, development of the oil industry of Alberta in the context that trade protectionism is on the rise, the differences and similarities between the Harper and Trudeau administrations, America's recent moves regarding the nuclear issue in Northeast Asia, military operations in Syria and their impact on the policy and strategy of the Trump administration in the future and the opinions on the present situation and prospects of TPP.
Professor Gordon has been focused on research on China-Canada relations for a long time. And he argued that there’s no strong resentment toward one another in communications and exchange between China and Canada, and that China-Canada relations are entering a golden era full of opportunities. He also concluded that change and progress is likely to be made in areas like politics, diplomacy and economy. In addition, Professor Gordon expressed his point of view on the Free Trade Agreement between China and Canada, which is that the discussion will soon be shifted into opening, but Washington’s attitude should be carefully watched.Professor Gary also offered his viewpoint on the strategy of the Trump administration. It’s easy for Trump to adjust his policies, so composure and patience are required.
CCS staff also discussed with Professor Gordon about future collaboration in the exchange of personnel and research cooperation.
