Canada Events

Canada's relationship with the People's Republic of China (PRC) is entering a new chapter — and the opportunities are significant. Renewed diplomatic ties, reduced tariffs on key exports, and fresh interest from major Chinese investors signal real momentum. But seizing those opportunities requires more than optimism. It requires understanding how Beijing operates and guardrails to protect Canadian values, as well as economic and national security interests.

The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada is launching PRC Power Abroad and the Guardrails We Need — a new webinar series unpacking the PRC's evolving foreign policy toolkit. Each session brings leading global experts to offer practical insights for Canadian businesses, policymakers, and advocates looking to engage China strategically — and on Canada's terms.

Visit the Webinar Series Main Page

Session 3: PRC’s Strategy of Lawfare and Lessons from Hong Kong

Hong Kong's common law system was once treated as an institutional firewall. This session traces how it was dismantled — from the 1997 sovereignty transfer through the 2019 Anti-Extradition Bill protests and their aftermath. Dr. Eric Lai, Senior Fellow at Georgetown Center for Asian Law, and author of Legal Resistance under Authoritarianism, will examine how a critical minority of legal professionals resisted state encroachment, the limits of that resistance, and what Hong Kong's experience reveals about the vulnerability of legal institutions to sustained political pressure from above.

Organized by the Women Heads of Diplomatic Missions in Ottawa (WHDMO) and Gowling WLG, this forum on June 10 will celebrate the International Day for Women in Diplomacy. Representing all 32 women Ambassadors in Ottawa, WHDMO serves as a collective voice advancing collaboration and elevating the role of women in diplomacy.

Aligned with this year’s theme, “Leadership Equality, Advancement and the pursuit of Peace,” the event will explore the broader impact of women’s leadership in diplomacy—highlighting their role in advancing equality, shaping global conversations, and promoting peace. 

Through engaging discussion and shared perspectives, the forum will reflect the growing influence of women leaders across international, economic, and social spheres. We look forward to convening leaders for an inspiring morning dedicated to recognizing and advancing women’s leadership in diplomacy.

APF Canada's Vice-President Research & Strategy Vina Nadjibulla will be moderating a discussion on the economic sphere.

Organized by the Vietnam Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Vietnam–Canada Business Forum 2026 will follow the Third Vietnam–Canada Joint Economic Committee (JEC 3), held biennially. Building on the outcomes of JEC 3, the Forum serves as the principal platform for translating high‑level policy dialogue into concrete business cooperation and sector‑specific opportunities. 

On this occasion, Vietnam is leading a business delegation of approximately 20 companies representing key sectors such as energy, minerals, infrastructure and construction, food processing, and industrial–technological manufacturing. 

Speakers will outline actionable opportunities for Canadian companies to expand into one of Asia’s fastest‑growing and most strategically positioned markets. 

Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada's Vice-President, Research and Strategy, Vina Nadjibulla, will speak on "Canada's Indo-Pacific engagement and economic partnership priorities with Vietnam" as well as moderate a panel focused on the resilient and high quality partnership.