Toronto Star newspaper headline from October 13, 1970.

On October 13, 1970, Canada officially recognized the People's Republic of China (PRC), a bold foreign policy move under PM Pierre Trudeau. This decision came two decades after Britain's recognition in January 1950, with Canada's delay largely reflecting its alignment with US policy during the Cold War; the US would only recognize Beijing in 1979. The move had significant implications for Chinese Canadians, particularly those with ties to mainland China. It facilitated family reunifications, cultural exchanges, and trade that had been restricted. While diplomatic relations shifted from Taiwan (ROC), the 'Canadian formula' acknowledged Beijing's claim without fully endorsing it, allowing continued unofficial ties with Taiwan. This recognition by a major Western nation influenced others and reshaped global diplomacy. For many Chinese Canadians, it opened doors for renewed connections with their ancestral homeland and contributed to the community's evolving identity. It also paved the way for increased immigration from mainland China in subsequent decades, further diversifying the Chinese Canadian community.