Canada summons the Chinese ambassador and may expel diplomats

The government points to allegations of intimidation by Beijing against a Canadian lawmaker who has criticized the Chinese regime.

By Le Figaro with AFP

published On 04/05/2023 at 21:20to update On 04/05/2023 at 21:44

the Canadian government The Chinese ambassador to Ottawa was summoned on Thursday, May 4, to discuss allegations of intimidation by Beijing against a Canadian lawmaker who had criticized Chinese dietand he could also retaliate by expelling the diplomats.

“The deputy minister is meeting with the Chinese ambassador, and we have summoned himForeign Minister Melanie Jolie before a parliamentary committee. “We are evaluating various options, including expelling diplomatsadded the head of Canadian diplomacy.

Beijing enters

Conservative MP Michael Chung and his family, who live in Hong Kong, are said to have come under pressure over the MP’s criticism of Beijing. Members of Justin Trudeau’s opposition this week called on the government to live up to its responsibilities in this outrageous case. the Globe and Mail He issued a damning report on Monday saying the government had turned a blind eye to Beijing’s meddling in Canadian affairs.

Citing confidential documents and an unnamed security source, the newspaper says that the Chinese intelligence agency planned to target Michael Chung and his relatives for a vote in February 2021 in favor of a proposal that equalizes the government’s treatment with China of its Uyghur minority.Genocide“. He was “Certainly to set this member as an example and discourage other members from adopting hostile positionsto China, according to a Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) document.

We have never sought to interfere in the internal affairs of Canada.

Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry

An official from the Chinese Consulate in Toronto is believed to be involved in the case. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is under increasing pressure to speak out against Beijing after revelations that China sought to influence the results of the 2019 and 2021 Canadian elections. Beijing has denied being the subject of parliamentary committee hearings and investigations by the Canadian Elections Agency.

The Federal Police has also dismantled several illegal Chinese police stations in Canada, which were allegedly set up to harass Chinese expatriates. “We have never sought to interfere in the internal affairs of Canada and have no interest in doing so.Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning responded to accusations of pressuring Michael Chong.