Second China-Canada Cultural Dialogue

The successful state visit to Canada by Chinese President Hu Jintao in June and the one to China by Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper in December 2010 elevated relations to a new development stage and greatly boosted people-to-people friendly contacts. In between these periods of rich harvest in bilateral relations， the second China-Canada Cultural Dialogue was held in Ottawa.

Since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1970， bilateral exchanges have developed continuously. China has become Canada’s second largest trade partner. A total of 47 pairs of friendship-cities/provinces have been twinned. China has become one of Canada’s main sources of immigrants and overseas students. The Chinese language is now Canada’s third major language. The six Confucius Institutes set up by China have facilitated the Canadian people to learn not only the language but something of Chinese culture. What should be mentioned especially is that Dr. Norman Bethune， a Canadian doctor whogave his life in the Chinese revolutionary cause in the 1930s， has become a symbol of bilateral friendship. His life story was a prime example of cultural exchanges between the two countries in a special period. The bilateral practical cooperation in many fields has added vigor to cultural exchanges.

Cultural diversity reflects richness of human spiritual life and the plurality of values. Though the two countries are far apart and have different historical and cultural backgrounds， they have similar values on the issue of protecting cultural diversity in the world. China， a country with an ancient civilization and a history of 5，000 years， has rich cultural resources attracting worldwide attention. The 56 ethnic groups have created splendid Chinese culture. Canada advocates cultural diversity and harmonious coexistence of different nationalities. The two countries can learn a lot from each other in the cultural field.

In a bid to set up a bridge to enhance mutual understanding and communication， the CPAFFC， in cooperation with the Canadian Fund for International Understanding through Culture (CFIUC) held the first China-Canada Cultural Dialogue in Beijing in November 2009 on the occasion of commemorating the 70th anniversary of Dr. Bethune’s death. Peng Peiyun， former Vice Chairperson of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress， unveiled the plaque of the Dialogue. Michaelle Jean， Canadian Governor General， sent a message of congratulations， saying: “I can personally vouch for the tremendous impact intercultural dialogue has on society. This dialogue is an opportunity for citizens from both countries to explore the differences that make us unique and the similarities we share regardless of the miles that separate us.” The Dialogue provides a new interactive platform for the two countries to share traditions and conduct exchanges in contemporary cultures of the two countries.

In October 2010， a goodwill delegation composed of experts from museums and cultural organizations of Guizhou， Henan， Yunnan and Sichuan flew to Ottawa to attend the Second China-Canada Cultural Dialogue.

In Canada， October is a pleasant month with clear sky and crisp fresh air. It is also the best time to enjoy the beauty of maple leaves. Red leaves and lakes and hills add beauty to each other， looking like a poetic and picturesque paradise on earth. Canada is reputed as a “country of maple trees”. At the center of the Canadian national flag is a red maple leaf design， and articles for daily use with maple-leaf prints can be seen everywhere.

The members of the delegation were attracted by the beautiful natural scenery from the moment they arrived. The warm smile on the Canadian friends’ faces made them feel as if they were back home. Dr. Nelly Ng， President of the CFIUC， personally came to the airport to meet the delegation.

The Second Cultural Dialogue was opened in Ottawa on October 13， the day of the 40th anniversary of China-Canada diplomatic relations. Sheila Copps， former Deputy Prime Minister of Canada and Minister of Canadian Heritage presided over the opening ceremony. Chinese Ambassador to Canada Lan Lijun and Philip Calvert， Director General of the North Asia Bureau of the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade inaugurated the Cultural Dialogue and celebration for the 40th anniversary of China-Canada diplomatic ties.

Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon and the Chinese Ambassador to Canada sent messages of congratulations. Ambassador Lan Lijun and John Russell Baird， Government House Leader， spoke at the ceremony. Ambassador Lan pointed out that real consensus between different nations and countries can only be reached through intercultural communication and learning that enrich each other， and that the Dialogue has created a fair and friendly atmosphere for the two peoples to engage in mutual appreciation.

Mr. Baird said cultural communication and understanding were important components of state-to-state relations and the foundation of diplomatic ties. Cultural exchanges could be conducted before the establishment of diplomatic ties， as they transcend governmental relations， help identify similarities between the two sides and jointly respond to challenges. Thanks to its rapid development， China’s influence in the world was changing. Canada attached great importance to cooperation with China. Culture had become a bridge linking the two countries. The latest Dialogue celebrated 40 years of Canada-China diplomatic ties.

The Cultural Dialogue， an important part of the celebrations for the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties， received extensive attention from the Canadian government， media and various social circles. On the afternoon of October 13， Canadian Prime Minister Harper attended the 40th anniversary celebration and spoke. He said the concerted efforts of the two sides had raised the Canada-China relationship to a new historical stage and the Canada-China strategic partnership had never as promising as it now was.

At the Dialogue the participants exchanged views on the following six topics: exploring cultural leadership， cultural innovation， visitor experience， telling our stories， protection of intangible cultural heritage and sustainable development of cultural exchanges.

They agreed that culture owed its charm to its diversity. Cultural diversity was a magic weapon holding visitor interest. However， without intercultural communication， culture itself could be an obstacle to mutual understanding. The challenge was how to spread knowledge rather than the lack of it. Therefore， holding the Dialogue had great relevance to the promotion of mutual understanding between the Chinese and Canadian people.

During the visit， the Chinese delegation attended the ceremony of honoring Dr. Normal Bethune as a new inductee into the Canadian Science and Engineering Hall of Fame at Canada Science and Technology Museum. The Hall of Fame honors individuals whose outstanding scientific or technological achievements have had long-term implications for Canadians. Denise Amyot， President and Chief Executive Officer of Canada Science and Technology Museum Corporation， said， it is because of his selfless dedication that Dr. Norman Bethune is honored as a new inductee into the Canadian Science and Engineering Hall of Fame. She pointed out: “Countries can accomplish great things together. It is also interesting to realize that as individuals， we can also make tremendous and long-lasting contributions that can cross the geopolitical boundaries. Dr. Bethune symbolizes this.”

The delegation also visited museums and art galleries in Ottawa， Quebec， Montreal and Toronto and explored the possibilities of cultural cooperation with them in the future.

This was a harvesting autumn. The Canadian people’s friendly feelings and Canada’s beautiful natural scenery， particularly the red maple leaves， left a fond memory for every member of the delegation.