Diplomacy should rise above domestic politics

• Source: Global Times
• [02:15 December 02 2009]
• Comments

Despite the strained relations during Harper's tenure, China remains one of Canada's top export destinations. And the first half of 2009 saw bilateral trade exceed $22.9 billion. Chinese-Canadians, with a population of 1.2 million, have emerged as a powerful minority.

But the relationship cannot go much further without a stronger partnership built on a shared commitment to strive for a win-win situation in the emerging world order.

A wise politician is good at more than winning votes in a domestic election. He should have the savvy and vision to reshape public opinion and social values in a more healthy, open and globalized direction.

Only when Canada's diplomacy rises above the electoral compulsions of domestic politics and actively engages a rising China can it nurture long-term, robust relations. That is also in the larger interest of the Canadian people.

In this sense, Harper's better-late-than-never trip to China may be a good starting point.