Embassy of China in Ottawa
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Ottawa is the embassy of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in Ottawa, Canada. The PRC purchased the building at St. Patrick Street in 1972, soon after diplomatic relations were established between Canada and China. The structure had been built by the Sisters of Good Shepherd who had used it as a convent for several decades. The Chinese government paid some $1.6 million for it. In the mid-1980s a major expansion of the structure was completed. The embassy is located in the Lower Town neighbourhood with the rear of the embassy looking out on the Rideau River
The early years of the embassy were somewhat strained. Few diplomats, and even the first ambassador did not speak English. Canada insisted that the staff members be subjected to fairly rigid travel rules for security reasons. During this period there was also a steady stream of defections among the diplomatic staff.
In recent years the embassy has become one of Ottawa's largest and busiest. It is still the subject of frequent protests, and those protesting the treatment of Falun Gong are sporadically stationed across the street from the embassy.
