Study: Canada approach to China out of date

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-02-25 09:57

OTTAWA -- Canada's foreign policy toward China has been falling short of expectations for more than a decade and across a wide range of criteria, an independent research institute said Tuesday in a study.

The study by the Canadian International Council (CIC) examines Canada's existing China programming and concludes that it has become less relevant to Chinese conditions and less effective in fulfilling Canada's interest in China.

Canada's prosperity in the global trading environment is at risk if it does not improve its engagement with China, its second largest trading partner, and a country that increasingly plays a more prominent role in the international arena, argues Charles Burton, author of the study entitled "A Reassessment of Canada's Interests in China and Options for Renewal of Canada's China Policy."

Burton, a CIC research associate and Brock University political scientist, has been seconded to work at Canada's Embassy in Beijing on two separate occasions.

He recommends that the Canadian government diversify its engagement with China and directly engage policymakers in China.

"China requires a comprehensive engagement strategy," he said in a press release Tuesday, adding Canada needs to face China with maturity, enthusiasm, energy and creativity.

Burton also deplored at the lack of the requisite language and cultural skills and creativity in policy implementation at the Canadian foreign affairs establishment in China.

The Canadian International Council is a non-partisan, nationwide council established to strengthen Canada's role in international affairs. It seeks to advance research, discussion and debate on international issues by supporting a Canadian foreign policy network that crosses academic disciplines, policy areas, and economic sectors.