In 2020, the value of Canadian pulp exports to China declined $1.6 billion, down 21.8% from the previous year. Was this decline related to the ongoing diplomatic challenges with Meng Wanzhou or was this just a natural variation in trade? Recent history has shown China’s willingness to use economic sanctions for political purposes, as seen with the targeting of agricultural exports, specifically canola and pork products, in retribution for the arrest of Meng Wanzhou. This cost farmers across Canada nearly $5 billion in 2019. Australia has also experienced similar sanctions for simply inquiring about the origins of Covid-19. Given the importance of the pulp and resource industry to Canada, and Prince George in particular, what are the lessons we can learn from these experiences with China and what should we be doing to prepare for future challenges?

SPEAKER BIOS:

Phil Calvert

Philip Calvert grew up in Prince George and is a graduate of Prince George Secondary School. He spent 34 years in Canada’s Foreign Service, with three postings in Beijing (including as Deputy Ambassador), as well as an assignment as Ambassador to Thailand, Cambodia and Laos. In Global Affairs Canada he was Director General for North Asia, a Director in the Trade Policy Branch, and Deputy Chief Negotiator for China’s accession to the World Trade Organization.

Jonathan Manthorpe

Jonathan Manthorpe is a long-time foreign correspondent, international affairs columnist and author of Claws of the Panda. In 1989 he was appointed Africa correspondent by Southern News and in 1993 was posted to Hong Kong to cover Asia. Over his 50-year career, he has been the foreign correspondent in Asia, Africa, and Europe for Southam news, the European Bureau Chief for the Toronto Star and the national political reporter for The Globe and Mail.