Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you, Ambassador, for being here.
In 2015 you co-authored a piece for the Center for International Relations and Sustainable Development and there was a quote in it that stood out to me. In fact, it mirrors what we heard in your comments in many ways, but I'll read it to you. It says: “The world is re-balancing towards Asia, and China in particular; Canada must re-balance with it.”
Can you highlight for us the importance of this relationship?
I know you've taken time to do that in your opening statement, but this is a fundamental relationship for Canada—now and in the future. At least that's my view and I think the view of most people in this country.
Could you expand on that?