In both the First and the Second world wars, Chinese Canadians volunteered to serve Canada in the Military. At the time, these men had limited rights under Canadian Law. Regardless they chose to follow the advice of the elders in the Chinese Community and sign up for service. Regulation prohibited the men from joining the Navy so they enlisted in the Army.

The First World War
Despite the discrimination they constantly faced, more than 200 Chinese Canadians volunteered for service during the First World War of 1914-1918. Some would fight and die on the Western Front in France and Belgium. Even after this impressive service and painful sacrifice, they continued to face great social and economic injustices back home. In 1923, the federal government passed the Chinese Immigration Act. Commonly referred to as the Chinese Exclusion Act, it barred most Chinese immigrants from entering Canada.

The Second World War

With the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939, many young Chinese Canadians again wanted to serve in the cause of peace and freedom. The larger Chinese Canadian community, however, was at a crossroads. Many argued the importance of volunteering for service. Some felt that by enlisting they would demonstrate their commitment to Canada, which might finally help dismantle the racism they had so long faced. Others questioned why they should fight for a country that didn’t want them. In the end, more than 600 Chinese Canadians would serve in the Second World War. They saw action on land, at sea and in the air with all three branches of our military. As the conflict spread after Japan entered the war, some were also recruited to be Allied secret agents behind enemy lines in Asia where they could better blend in with the local populations. In the end, many Chinese Canadians would again make the ultimate sacrifice during the war.

The military service of Chinese Canadians played an important role in creating fundamental political and social change our country. Through their many efforts and sacrifices, they have helped make Canada a better place.

Today, many Chinese Canadians carry on their community’s proud tradition of military service to our country. These brave men and women have taken part in countless Canadian Armed Forces efforts over the years. From the Balkans, to the Middle East and Afghanistan, they continue to protect the freedom of all Canadians.