Meaning: The quote by Pierre Pettigrew highlights Canada's historical support for China's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and its commitment to playing a constructive role in the process. The significance of this statement lies in the context of China's application to join the WTO, which had been a topic of international discussion and negotiation for several years.

China's accession to the WTO was a complex and lengthy process that involved negotiations with existing member countries and the acceptance of numerous trade-related commitments. The WTO, established in 1995, is an international organization that regulates global trade and provides a framework for negotiating trade agreements and resolving disputes.

Canada's support for China's accession to the WTO can be understood within the broader context of its trade and diplomatic relations with China. As one of the world's largest economies and a major global trading partner, China's integration into the rules-based system of the WTO was seen as crucial for promoting global trade liberalization and fostering economic cooperation.

From Canada's perspective, supporting China's accession to the WTO represented an opportunity to expand its trade ties with China and contribute to the stability and growth of the global trading system. By advocating for a constructive role in helping complete China's accession, Canada signaled its willingness to engage in the negotiation process and facilitate China's compliance with the WTO's rules and regulations.

Canada's support for China's WTO accession also reflected its broader foreign policy objectives, including the promotion of multilateralism, economic development, and international cooperation. By actively supporting China's integration into the WTO, Canada sought to strengthen its diplomatic relations with China and promote a rules-based approach to global trade governance.

In practical terms, Canada's support for China's WTO accession involved participating in bilateral and multilateral negotiations, providing technical assistance and expertise, and advocating for a transparent and inclusive accession process. These efforts aimed to ensure that China's commitments to the WTO were consistent with international trade rules and that its integration into the organization would benefit all member countries.

Canada's stance on China's WTO accession also had domestic implications, as it underscored the country's commitment to open and rules-based trade policies. By supporting China's accession, Canada sought to demonstrate its dedication to promoting a level playing field for international trade and fostering an environment conducive to economic growth and prosperity.

Overall, Pierre Pettigrew's quote encapsulates Canada's longstanding support for China's accession to the WTO and its commitment to playing a constructive role in the process. It reflects Canada's recognition of the importance of China's integration into the global trading system and its willingness to contribute to the negotiation and implementation of China's WTO commitments.

In conclusion, Canada's support for China's accession to the WTO exemplifies the country's proactive engagement in international trade diplomacy and its commitment to promoting a rules-based approach to global economic governance. By advocating for a constructive role in helping complete China's accession, Canada underscored its belief in the mutual benefits of a more integrated and inclusive global trading system.