On October 13, Acting Consul General Cheng Hongbo attended an event organized by the local Chinese community in memory of John McCallum, former Canadian Ambassador to China. The event was attended by hundreds of people, including members of McCallum’s family, representatives from three levels of Canadian governments, as well as people from various sectors across the consular district.

Acting Consul General Cheng expressed his deep condolences on the passing of Ambassador McCallum and extended heartfelt sympathy to his family. He noted that it is of special significance to commemorate Ambassador McCallum on October 13, the day when China and Canada established diplomatic relations 55 years ago. As a senior cabinet minister of the Canadian federal government and former ambassador to China, McCallum had long been committed to promoting China-Canada relations and serving the local Chinese community. His warmth and sincerity, along with his diplomatic philosophy of understanding and respect, objectivity and balance, dialogue and cooperation, as well as the remarkable political conscience and courage he demonstrated at critical moments in China-Canada relations, left a lasting impression.

Cheng emphasized that while differences and disagreements between two countries are inevitable, the key is to maintain dialogue on the basis of mutual respect. He expressed the hope that people from all walks of life in the consular district would carry forward Ambassador McCallum’s political legacy and diplomatic wisdom, make full use of the current opportunity to rejuvenate China-Canada relations.

Representatives from various sectors fondly recalled their interactions with Ambassador McCallum and his contributions to promoting bilateral exchanges and friendship between the peoples, while expressing optimism about the future of China-Canada relations.

John McCallum previously served as Canada’s Minister of National Defense, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Minister of National Revenue, and Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. He was Canada’s Ambassador to China from 2017 to 2019 and passed away in June 2025.