加拿大百科全书︱Introduction to Encyclopedia of Canada

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Introduction to Encyclopedia of Canada

The publication of Encyclopedia of Canada written by scholars at the Canadian Studies Centre atSichuan International Studies University, is a major event in the history of Canadian Studies in Chi-na. For the first time, Chinese readers will have access to a full range of information to assist in theirresearch or simply to enhance their knowledge and appreciation of Canada. The encyclopedia also ap-pears at an important point in relations between our two countries: this year marks the 25th anniver-sary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Canada. Within the past year, vis-its to China by Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien and to Canada by Chinese Premier Li Penghave further strengthened the links that go back into the last century, when Chinese workers helpedto build Canada’s national railway, and Canadian missionaries brought health care and education toChina. 　Recently, the Canadian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister have characterised our relationshipas being built on four “pillars”. 　The first of these four “pillars” is trade and economic relations. Starting from the first Canadianwheat sales to the People’s Republic of China in the 1960s, bilateral trade has grown to a point whereChina is now Canada’s fifth largest trading partner. Over 100 Canadian companies have offices inChina, and more than 400 Canadian business people accompanied the Canadian Prime Minister on hisvisit to China in 1994. Under China’s reform and opening policy, both the size and nature of our tradehave evolved rapidly. Canada has moved from exporting basic commodities such as wheat to exportinga growing proportion of manufactured goods. China’s needs correspond to Canada’s strengths, espe-cially in areas like telecommunications, oil and gas, power generation and environmental technologies,and we are confident that our economic relations will grow and prosper. 　The second “pillar” is cooperation for sustainable development. We recognize that China faces aformidable task in achieving sustainable development, endowed as it is with limited resources and ahuge population. Through the Canadian International Development Agency, we have been carryingout bilateral cooperation projects since 1982. An important objective of our development programme isto promote China’s continuing economic reforms through environmentally sustainable development,designed to meet goals outlined in China’s agenda 21 programme for the environment. 　The third “pillar” is peace and security. Canada seeks to engage China bilaterally and interna-tionally on issues relating to regional and global security, including the role of the UN in peacekeep-ing, nuclear non-proliferation and a security framework for the Asia Pacific region. Canada and Chinahave had extensive exchanges of views on UN peacekeeping, the nuclear non-proliferation treaty andthe comprehensive test ban treaty. 　The fourth and final “pillar” involves cooperation to improve public management and to promotethe rule of law in China. Canada seeks to assist China in facing the new social demands that havearisen in the course of economic reform. It is important not just for the Chinese people, but also forthe stability of the whole Asia Pacific region, that China successfully negotiate the current period ofrapid economic change. Canada has been among the most active Western countries in the cooperationof sound public management and the rule of law. 　Academic and scholarly exchange has an important role to play in improving our knowledge andunderstanding of each other's countries. Through exchange programmes, which have permitted Chi-nese scholars to spend time in Canada, and through grants programmes which allow for the publica-tion of research on Canada in China, the Canadian government has sought to encourage knowledgeand understanding of our country here in China. With Encyclopedia of Canada, we welcome a repre-sentative of the Canadian private sector into the promotion of academic relations between Canada andChina. The publication of this book has been made possible by a grant from Dr. Henry Wang of theSports Ad Company. As we express our appreciation for his generosity, we look forward to increasingcooperation of Chinese and Canadian citizens in all walks of life. Richard kung 　王仁强