By our correspondent Jennifer in Toronto
CCTVMEDIUM NEWS On July 4, 2025, to mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Canada and the 20th anniversary of the establishment of their strategic partnership, the Chinese Consulate-General in Toronto and York University jointly hosted the “China-Canada Education Exchange – Intergenerational Dialogue on Studying in China.” The event highlighted bilateral cooperation in education and cultural exchange and provided a platform for alumni who previously studied in China to share their experiences and for new students preparing to study abroad to receive guidance.
In his speech, Consul General Luo Weidong emphasized the longstanding role of education exchange in strengthening China-Canada relations. Over the decades, both governments have established numerous mechanisms and platforms for educational cooperation, including Chinese Government Scholarships, Canadian student exchange programs, and hundreds of university-level partnership agreements. Luo pointed out that such exchanges not only enhance individual understanding of each other’s cultures but also contribute to broader academic and institutional collaboration.
The event featured dozens of Canadian alumni who studied in China, sharing their personal stories about life, learning, and the empowerment gained from their knowledge of the Chinese language and culture. Students preparing for exchange programs in China expressed their excitement and asked questions, benefiting from the advice of alumni who had gone before them.
Senior academic staff including Professor Lisa Philipps, Provost and Vice-President Academic at York University, attended the event, reaffirming the university’s commitment to expanding its partnership with Chinese institutions. Consul General Luo expressed his hope that the Consulate-General would continue to collaborate with Canadian universities such as York to further strengthen bilateral educational ties.
Against the backdrop of an increasingly complex global environment, both sides underscored the unique role that education and people-to-people exchanges play in fostering mutual trust and understanding. As Consul General Luo stated, “Educational exchanges sow the seeds of mutual understanding and appreciation among young people, and the fruits we eventually harvest are stability, predictability, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence in international society and global relations.”
