I call this meeting to order. Welcome to meeting number seven of the Special Committee on Canada-China Relations. Pursuant to the motion adopted on Wednesday, September 23, 2020, the committee is meeting on its study of Canada-China relations.
Today's meeting is in a hybrid format. The meeting is also televised and will be available on the House of Commons website.
To ensure an orderly meeting, I would like to outline a few rules to follow.
Members and witnesses may speak in the official language of their choice. Interpretation services are available for this meeting. You have the choice, at the bottom of your screen, of floor, English or French. Before speaking, please wait until I recognize you by name. If you are participating by video conference, please click on the microphone icon to unmute yourself.
Let me remind you that all comments from members of the committee and from witnesses must be addressed through the chair.
I would ask you to speak slowly and clearly.
When you're not speaking, your mike should be on mute.
I'd now like to welcome the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, along with Marta Morgan, deputy minister; and Weldon Epp, director general, north Asia and Oceania bureau.
Thank you all.
Thank you very much for joining us.
I now invite the minister to make his opening statement.
Mr. Minister, the floor is yours.