China–Canada negotiations on the establishment of diplomatic relations and the government of Pierre Trudeau’s early China policies

Abstract

This article presents an original and detailed account of the negotiations between China and Canada on the establishment of diplomatic relations in Stockholm during Pierre Trudeau’s early government, using a wide range of primary sources from both countries, including declassified governmental documents, memorandums, telegrams, and memoirs, which provides a comprehensive understanding of the sociopolitical dynamics involved. It highlights the significance of Canada’s diplomatic efforts in recognising China before the United States, representing an independent diplomatic stance. The Canadian way had become a model for subsequent countries to establish diplomatic relations with China. The establishment of diplomatic ties had opened a new chapter in the development of bilateral relations. The mutual respect and compromise shown by the two sides while adhering to their own core interests in the negotiations have provided useful lessons for the two governments to deal with current rigid bilateral relations.