The shadow battle between Canada and China is heating up.
Canada has always had deeper ties with China than the US has. They are 4% Chinese, while the US is only 1%. Because of Canada’s different immigration laws, China has always seen Canada as their foothold to get power in North America.
Already, Trudeau is facing allegations of ignoring Chinese election interference in the last race for prime minister.
Now, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service confirmed that a member of parliament was being targeted by the Chinese government.
Michael Chong, of Chinese descent himself, has drawn the ire of China after he supported a motion calling China’s attacks on the Muslim community in Xinjiang a genocide.
Chong said he had a meeting with Justin Trudeau in 2021, where he gave a vague assessment of China’s general interference in political affairs, but failed to tell Chong that he and his family were specifically being targeted.
Now, the Chinese diplomat accused of interfering with Chong’s affairs, Zhao Wei, has been expelled.
The Foreign Affairs Minister said, ““I have been clear: we will not tolerate any form of foreign interference in our internal affairs. Diplomats in Canada have been warned that if they engage in this type of behavior, they will be sent home.”
But China was quick to strike back, China expelled one of their Canadian envoys. Jennifer Lalonde, currently at the consulate in Shanghai, was asked to leave by this Saturday, according to an English language press release from Beijing.
This further strains the previously somewhat friendly ties China had with Canada. Don’t be shocked to see most diplomats in both countries expelled, where each nation’s embassies will become shells of their former selves.
Add comment