Off the ice… with His Excellency, Ambassador LU Shaye

When it comes to women's hockey, ties between Canada and China are stronger than ever with two Canadian Women's Hockey League teams calling Shenzhen home this season. In conjunction with the game between Kunlun Red Star and Les Canadiennes de Montreal at the Bell Centre last November, canadiens.com sat down with China's ambassador to Canada, His Excellency LU Shaye to learn more about the state of the Chinese-Canadian sports exchange.

History was made today when a professional team from China played in an NHL rink for the very first time. How proud are you of the way women's hockey has developed in China?
His Excellency LU Shaye: I think it's symbolic, because women's hockey teams from China playing in the CWHL is really extraordinary for our country. It helps us elevate our level of hockey in China. Hockey in Canada is so advanced, on both the men's and women's sides. It's something to be proud of. We have a lot to learn from Canada about this winter sport. We also have a lot to learn about other winter sports from your country. China is going to host the Winter Olympics in 2022, so we have to make an effort to elevate our standing in winter sports to have good results at the Games.

How are the preparations going for Beijing 2022?LS: There are two aspects to it. There is the construction and infrastructure aspect, which isn't a problem for China. We already hosted the Olympic Games in 2008, and they were a success. The other aspect is getting the teams prepared. China is already very advanced in winter sports like skiing, but when it comes to hockey, we still have a lot of work to do to elevate our game. Time is required to prepare.
What can fans expect from these upcoming Olympic Games in China?LS:Big things. We're expecting something splendid and spectacular.
You talked a bit about the development of winter sports in China. Is it tough to work on and develop hockey there?LS: I don't think so. If the Chinese have the will to do something, they definitely manage to achieve it. We have a big population base, so if we have the resolve, we can do it. President XI Jinping said that by organizing the 2022 Winter Olympics, 300 million more people will take part in winter sports. That's a huge number. We're trying to develop all winter sports - skiing, figure skating - we want to make an effort to have good results.
Now that the CWHL boasts the Kunlun Red Star and Vanke Rays, Canadian teams will be travelling to China this season. What type of experience awaits Les Canadiennes when they make the trip?
LS: It's a good thing. It's an exchange. The Chinese teams will learn from their Canadian friends and the Canadians are heading to China to interact with their Chinese counterparts. Their technique is better, of course, so they can show their Chinese partners a few things. That way, both parties can benefit and gain something from these exchanges.
What type of surprises will Les Canadiennes encounter when they visit China for the first time?LS: From among the more than 190 countries in the world, only Canadians have this type of exchange with China. That means that China considers Canada to be our main partner in the world, especially when it comes to winter sports.

You've been in Canada for a few months now. Have you taken more of an interest in hockey? Is this your first game ever?LS: Yes, it's very interesting. There's a lot of energy and action. I think I'll come back to attend more games. I'm based in Ottawa.
Do you have a favorite NHL team? If not, we'd like to suggest one… LS: Yes! The Canadiens!
The NHL also made history this season by staging two games in Shanghai and Beijing. Is hockey popular in China?
What was the reaction to it there?LS: Maybe hockey isn't that popular in China just yet, but with all the publicity, more and more Chinese are becoming familiar with the sport. I have a lot of Chinese friends who have kids, boys and girls, but especially boys, and they're having them learn to play. I think it's a good thing. There are more and more Chinese kids participating in winter sports. That will elevate things in China.
Have you ever played or tried to play hockey?LS: It's too late for me! (Laughs) But it's my first winter in Canada. I already know a bit about skating, but I'm hoping to learn to ski.
The Montreal Canadiens have staged hockey schools for kids in China. How important are exchanges like that to develop the sport in China?LS: Exchanges are always very important, not just when it comes to sports, but in other domains, too. I think sports can play a leading role in the exchanges between our two countries. We can start with sports. We often talk about exchanges between two nations, and it forms a solid base for bilateral relations between two countries for cooperation - and especially for mutual comprehension. Since arriving in Canada, I've found that there's a small gap when it comes to mutual comprehension, but sports-related exchanges can help bridge that gap. That's why I think it's very important.