Delegation of University of Regina Visits China

Invited by the CPAFFC, a 26-member delegation of the University of Regina, Canada headed by Professor Nick Kozey visited 13 Chinese cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Harbin, Chong- qing and Shenzhen from May 12 to June 2.

Following closely the situation in the earthquake-hit areas and expressing solicitude and respect for the Chinese people. The delegation arrived in Shanghai on the afternoon of May 12. They felt the tremor of the Sichuan earthquake. Prof. Kozey, leader of the delegation, said, all the members of the delegation were deeply concerned about the devastating earthquake that took place in Wenchuan of Sichuan Province, expressed profound condolences over the people who died in the quake and sincere solicitude for the bereaved families. At 14:28 on May 19, the delegation together with the Chinese people observed a three-minute silence for the victims of the earthquake.

The delegation followed the situation in the quake areas closely and highly praised the Chinese Government’s fast response to the earthquake and the grand scale of its relief efforts. Prof. Kozey said, the prompt and effective measures taken by the Chinese Government, the accurate, timely and objective coverage by all major media, the dedication demonstrated by the Chinese servicemen in racing against time to save lives without any thought of their own safety, and the strong will and determination displayed by the united Chinese people as one in the relief efforts have left deep impressions on the delegates.

During the delegation’s visit in Beijing, Prof. Kozey handed over to CPAFFC Vice President Li Jianping a letter of sympathy he wrote to the quake-stricken areas and 2,710 RMB yuan the members of the delegation donated. In his letter, Prof. Kozey expressed his belief that under the strong leadership of the Chinese Government, the people of the quake-hit areas would overcome all difficulties and rebuild their homeland early. The delegation sang in chorus It’s A Small World to express their encouragement and support for the Chinese people. Members of the delegation said that they would continue to give whatever help they could through the Red Cross and other charity organizations after returning home. Sabitri Sugrim said, she hoped to adopt a girl survivor of the Sichuan earthquake, take her to Canada to study and ask her to work for China, her motherland when she grows up.

Experiencing the changes and highly praising China’s rapid development. During the visit, Prof. Kozey spoke highly of China’s rapid development in recent years. He said, China’s achievements since reform and opening up have captured world attention. With the rise of China’s international status, its influence in the world is growing, so is the interest of the Canadian people in the country. He stated, to let more Canadians know more about China and increase the friendship between the Canadian and Chinese peoples were the main reasons for him to succeed Prof. Edmund H. Dale to lead delegations to China.

It was the first visit to China for most members of the delegation. The real China is so different from what they have imagined. While in Shanghai, Charles Westra noted, there are three things he has not expected in China: the Chinese no longer wear mandarin jacket, long gown, and cheongsam; there are so many sky scrapers and high apartment buildings; and urban afforestation is carried out in such an orderly way. He added, his decision to visit China is correct. He will show the photos he has taken to his friends who advised him not to come to China to let them realize that they were wrong when he returns home.

Some members visited China four or six years ago. They marveled at the tremendous changes and fast urban construction in China. Tom Strutt said humourously that half of the world’s tower cranes are now in China. The affluent and comfortable life of the ordinary Chinese people also left a deep impression on them. In Beijing, Chongqing and Wuhan, the members of the delegation were drawn to the scenes of people singing, playing chess and dancing in the streets and parks at dusk. Some members even happily joined in and danced to the music with the local people.

Supporting Beijing and wishing the Beijing Olympic Games great success. The 29th Winter Olympic Games will be held in Vancouver, Canada in 2010. The souvenir the delegation presented to CPAFFC Vice President Li Jianping was a wood carving made by Charles Westra with the Canadian Winter Olympics mascot design on it. The delegation showed great interest in and enthusiasm for the Beijing Summer Olympics. Therefore, we arranged for the delegation to visit Olympic venues such as the Bird’s Nest, the Water Cube and the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Centre. The delegation showed admiration for the first-class sports venues China had constructed in such a short time and expressed the belief that the Beijing Olympics would be a full success.

The delegation arrived in Wuhan just one day before the Olympic torch relay in the city. The whole city was filled with an atmosphere of Olympic festivity, which also influenced the members of the delegation. Gladys Boehler followed closely the news reports on the torch relay. She said, she opposed politicizing the Olympic Games and the torch relay. Johanna Ermter said that wherever she went she was deeply moved by the great enthusiasm of the Chinese people for the Olympics and that she was convinced that China was capable to make the Olympic Games a success.

The opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games was a hot topic among the delegates. During its visit in Shenzhen, the delegation watched three large-scale shows: Proud Son of Heaven, East Nichang, Dragon & Phoenix in China at the Splendid China Folk Culture Village in Shenzhen. The grand scale, the extraordinary imagination and the gorgeous costumes of the ethnic groups of China won praises from all members of the delegation. Edwina Madill said, such shows filled her with curiosity and expectation for the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games. She would sit by the TV to watch the opening ceremony on August 8 whatever the time in Canada.

Working hand in hand to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the Chinese and Canadian peoples. At his meeting with the delegation, CPAFFC Vice President Li Jianping pointed out, the CPAFFC has maintained friendly exchanges and cooperation with the University of Regina for years. Through inviting Canadian delegation to China and sending CPAFFC staffers to visit Canada every other year, mutual understanding and friendship between the two sides have been continuously enhanced. Prof. Dale has made important contributions to the friendship between the people of China and Canada. We hope and believe that our future friendly cooperation with Prof. Kozey will achieve greater success.

Prof. Kozey told Li Jianping, Prof. Dale has profound feelings for the CPAFFC. Having taken over from Prof. Dale the work of friendship with China, he would keep learning and contribute his bit to the mutual understanding and friendship between the Canadian and Chinese peoples. He said the visit was a great success and expressed heart-felt thanks to the CPAFFC for its hospitality and meticulous and thoughtful arrangement for their visit.