I call the meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 31 of the House of Commons Special Committee on the Canada-People's Republic of China Relationship. Pursuant to the order of reference of May 16, 2022, the committee is meeting on its study of the Canada–People’s Republic of China relations with a focus on Canada’s Indo‐Pacific strategy.
I'd like to make a few comments for the benefit of the witnesses and members. Today’s meeting is taking place in a hybrid format. Members are attending in person and at times may be attending by Zoom. Please wait until I recognize you by name before speaking. For those participating by video conference, you'll click on the microphone icon to activate your microphone. Please mute it when you're not speaking.
On interpretation, for those on Zoom, you have the choice at the bottom of your screen of floor, English or French. For those in the room, you can use the earpiece and select the desired channel. I will remind you that all comments should be addressed through the chair.
For members in the room, if you wish to speak, please raise your hand. For members on Zoom, use the “raise hand” function. The clerk and I will manage that.
I'd like to welcome Ms. Damoff in place of Robert Oliphant.
Now I'd like to welcome witnesses for our first panel.
There was an update to our agenda. Dominique Caouette, professor and chair of Asian and Indo-Pacific studies at the Université de Montréal is not attending. There is job action at his university, and he's not permitted to take part in this evening's event.
We do have with us Fen Osler Hampson, chancellor’s professor and professor at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, Carleton University. Also, we have with us Mr. Gordon Houlden, professor and director emeritus at the University of Alberta's China Institute.
Gentlemen, you each have up to five minutes for an opening comment, after which we will proceed to questions.
Would you like to begin, Mr. Hampson?