Remarks by Chinese Ambassador to Canada Wang Di at 2026 New Year’s Reception of the Chinese Embassy in Canada

Your Honourable Victor Oh,
Your Honourable Senator Clement Gignac,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen, friends,

Good evening! Welcome to today's New Year's Reception.

As we bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new, on behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Canada, let me extend my warmest regards and best wishes to you all!

The year 2025 was an extraordinary year for China-Canada relations. Thanks to the joint efforts of China and Canada, we have accomplished many things that were done for the first time in the past many years.

First, President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Mark Carney had a historic meeting, which opened a new chapter in the bilateral ties.

Second, our two countries have maintained close high-level engagement and have gradually resumed exchanges and cooperation across the board.

Third, a delegation of the Chinese National People's Congress visited Canada for the bilateral legislative exchange mechanism meeting.

Fourth, both sides jointly celebrated the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the 20th anniversary of the strategic partnership between China and Canada, and are both committed to renewing the bilateral strategic partnership.

Fifth, China reinstated Canada's approved destination status for group travels, with the first Chinese tour group expected to arrive in Vancouver next week.

Sixth, the number of direct flights between China and Canada has increased significantly, further facilitating people-to-people exchanges.

Seventh, the two sides renewed the China-Canada Scholars Exchange Program, which has strengthened university exchanges.

Eighth, a record high of 125 Canadian companies participated in the 8th China International Import Expo. 

Ninth, energy cooperation has emerged as a new highlight, with China becoming a major importer of Canadian oil and LNG.

There are many other things that we have accomplished this year. But for the sake of time, I cannot list them all. All these practical and great things have delivered tangible benefits to the people of both countries, and have won strong support from the people of both countries. This fully demonstrates that under the guidance of the leaders of both countries, China-Canada relations have returned to the right track of healthy, stable and sustainable development.

The year 2025 also witnessed the Chinese Embassy's extensive engagement with various sectors in Canada. 

We hosted several seminars, discussing together with Canadian scholars, think tanks, universities, media, and business leaders how to advance the bilateral relations. 

We had broad engagement at the sub-national level. This year, I visited six Canadian provinces where we jointly explored road maps for strengthening sub-national cooperation. 

We held a big reception commemorating the 15th anniversary of Canadian First Nations' donation of a totem pole to China's Qiang ethnic group in Sichuan, and brainstormed with the Indigenous communities on advancing their development and livelihood.

We actively fulfilled our social responsibilities by donating care packages to local vulnerable groups through charities such as Foodbank and the Ottawa Mission.

We participated in Doors Open Ottawa, bringing both traditional Chinese culture and modern achievements of Chinese companies to the local communities.

We sponsored the "Panda Cup" Dragon Boat Race, celebrating the traditional Chinese festival with the Canadian people.

The Chinese Embassy attaches importance to providing high-quality services for Chinese citizens in Canada and the Canadian people, and has introduced multiple consular facilitation measures. We keep Chinese students in Canada close to our heart, sparing no effort to ensure their safety and help them achieve academic success.

Ladies and gentlemen, friends,

All of you here today are not only witnesses to the development of China-Canada relations, but also participants and contributors. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to you all as well as to friends from all sectors of the Canadian society. I also hope that you will continue to support China-Canada relations in the new year. Now, please allow me to say a few words in Chinese to the Chinese citizens and Chinese diaspora here. 

Last year, you have firmly supported the improvement and development of China-Canada relations. Chinese companies made full efforts to advance China-Canada practical cooperation. Chinese students studied hard and actively promoted youth exchanges between our two countries. I am deeply proud of you for what you have achieved and profoundly grateful for your hard work. I hope that you can further play your role as the bond and bridge for advancing China-Canada friendship. The Chinese Embassy will continue to make every effort to uphold the lawful and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens in Canada, and maintain our normal contact with the Chinese diaspora, so as to jointly improve and develop China-Canada relations. (delivered in Chinese)

Ladies and gentlemen, friends,

Looking ahead into the year 2026, we believe it will be a more fruitful year for China-Canada relations. We stand ready to work with all of you for the steady and sustained advance of the China-Canada strategic partnership, so as to bring greater benefits to the two peoples.

Thank you!