Despite a series of recent issues between Beijing and Ottawa, Canada's former top diplomat to China believes there's still much to gain from engaging with China. John McCallum, who served as ambassador to China between 2017 and early 2019, has since taken on a role as a senior strategic advisor at McMillan LLP. And his mandate of engagement and of promoting closer ties with the world's second largest economy has not ceased. 

Speaking with CGTN, he said he plans to have regular trips to China, meeting with both Canadian and Chinese business leaders. That's in part to his strong belief that the China market remains to be attractive for all. 

"Well the main thing that makes it so attractive is that it's so huge. 1.4 billion people, second biggest economy in the world, on the way to becoming, most people think, the largest economy in the world, a middle class that is growing by leaps and bounds, so obviously that creates an enormous market, and I think that is why Canada and so many other countries are keen on doing business with China." 

2020 will mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. Yet over the past half year, relations have soured, mainly due to the detainment of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou and the subsequent arrest of two Canadians. Worsening the situation, China recently banned certain Canadian meat imports after health certificates were found to be forged. As for a solution going forward, McCallum says turning away is the wrong direction. 

"Now one of the things I am doing working with McMillan is to try to enhance relations during difficult times. I say to Canadian business leaders and politicians, don't just come to China, come to China often, and especially come to China when times are tough. Because I do think the longer-run state of Canada-China relations will be positive. And I'm hoping all of these difficulties can be solved in time to celebrate the 50th anniversary of China-Canada diplomatic relations, which is next year."