Yimin Jiang (2011 - 2012)

Peoples Republic of China

Born in a small town in Inner Mongolia remote from a metropolis like Beijing or Shanghai, Yimin’s childhood was different from that of most of his peers. He did not witness the impressive changes that most coastal regions of China underwent in the 1980s, but experienced poverty, innocence and isolation until he left home and entered university. His time at Peking University presented both challenges and opportunities. In the first days he confronted unexpected barriers including the difficulties of adapting to the lifestyle of a big city and the challenge of acquiring the modern technical skills of his peers.

Yimin’s experience of the regional differences within his country influenced him to pursue several different internships including consultancy, which gave him the opportunity to travel nationally, and finance, which provided him with the key to understanding the domestic economy.

Overcoming the initial challenges of Peking University, Yimin was elected President of the Student Union, and, in light of his experiences, led that organization in efforts to provide assistance to the students from the less developed regions of the PRC.

He successfully completed his undergraduate studies with Bachelors degrees in International Studies and in Economics. He continued on the path of international affairs and obtained a Master’s in the Science of Diplomacy, and subsequently pursued a Ph.D. in the Science of Diplomacy at the School of International Studies; his primary focus is Sino-US relations and the development of foreign policy. As a PhD candidate, Yimin has been a graduate trainee in the Center for International Strategy Study of the university and is a special contributor for world affairs and world news journals, which have published several of his reports and commentaries. His excellent academic record has earned him a number of scholarships, including two National Scholarships and one each from the China National Petroleum Company and the Guanghua Education Foundation.

Yimin’s diversified experiences in the business and banking world have given him in-depth understanding of various industries, a broad perspective and considerable insight into the China of today. One unforgettable experience was his selection as liaison officer in the Department of International Relations and Services of the 2008 Beijing Olympiad Organizational Committee.

As a Sauvé Scholar, Yimin will study the “Process of Foreign Policy Making”, taking into account elements and influences such as the personality of leaders and the belief systems that affect their policy preferences. Believing that international studies should never be separated from domestic issues, he will examine the influence of domestic politics on foreign policy and will consider how national interests, including important societal changes stemming from economic advances, compete with the preservation of the decision maker’s power.

Sports also play a significant part in Yimin’s life, helping him to “maintain composure, focus and motivation”. He loves running, swimming and soccer, and while in Montreal, looks forward to learning to play hockey which “triggers my passion for its highly-intense competition and rapid pace.”

Mother Tongue

Mandarin, English, Japanese

Country of origin

Peoples Republic of China

Country of Residence

Peoples Republic of China