The Canadian government summoned the Chinese ambassador to Ottawa on Thursday May 4 to discuss allegations of intimidation by Beijing on a Canadian MP who had criticized the Chinese regime, and could also respond by expelling diplomats.
“
My deputy minister is meeting the Chinese ambassador, we have summoned him
,” Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly told a parliamentary committee.
“
We are evaluating various options, including the expulsion of diplomats
,” added the head of Canadian diplomacy.
Peking's interference
Conservative MP Michael Chong and his family, who live in Hong Kong, are said to have come under pressure because of the MP's criticism of Beijing.
Members of the opposition to Justin Trudeau demanded this week that the government take its responsibilities in this affair which is causing an outcry.
The
Globe and Mail
released a damning report on Monday saying the government has turned a blind eye to Beijing's interference in Canadian affairs.
Citing classified documents and an unnamed security source, the newspaper says China's intelligence agency planned to target Michael Chong and his relatives for voting in February 2021 in favor of a motion equating the government's treatment with China to its Uyghur minority to "
genocide
".
It was "
most certainly to make this MP an example and to dissuade other MPs from adopting positions hostile
" to China, according to a document from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS).
We have never sought to interfere in the internal affairs of Canada.
Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs
An official from the Chinese Consulate in Toronto is believed to be involved in this case.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is under increasing pressure to speak out against Beijing following revelations that China sought to influence the results of the 2019 and 2021 Canadian elections. Beijing has denied, have been the subject of hearings in parliamentary committees and investigations by the Canadian electoral agency.
Federal police also dismantled several illegal Chinese police stations in Canada, which were allegedly set up to harass Chinese expats.
“
We have never sought to interfere in the internal affairs of Canada and we have no interest in doing so
”, reacted the spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mao Ning, in response to accusations of pressure to Michael Chong.
