An alleged attempt by Beijing to intimidate a Canadian lawmaker has sparked diplomatic clashes between China and Canada. In exchange for the expulsion of Chinese diplomat Zhao Wei from Canada on Monday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry responded with drastic words on Tuesday, asking a Canadian diplomat in Shanghai to leave the People’s Republic.
“We advise the Canadian side to immediately stop their unreasonable provocations,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a briefing. “If the Canadian side does not follow this advice and act ruthlessly, (China) will retaliate vigorously and vigorously, and all the consequences will be borne by the Canadian side.”
Possible sanctions as a point of contention
Canadian media had previously reported plans by Chinese intelligence to impose sanctions on Canadian MP Michael Chong and his relatives living in Hong Kong. Zhao, an employee of the Chinese consulate in Toronto, is said to have played an important role in these efforts.
Chong had voted in February 2021 in favor of a motion denouncing Beijing’s human rights violations against the Uyghur Muslim minority in the Xinjiang region as “genocide”.
Diplomat in China “undesirable person”
Beijing, for its part, declared Canadian diplomat Jennifer Lynn Lalonde an “undesirable person” on Tuesday. She must leave China before May 13. At the same time, Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Weibin called on Canada to “immediately end all unreasonable provocations”. Should Canada continue its “reckless” actions, China will take “decisive countermeasures”.
The controversy further strains already strained relations between the two countries. “We will not tolerate any interference in our internal affairs,” Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly said. The Chinese foreign ministry saw an “unconscionable action”.
Meddling in parliamentary elections?
Relations between China and Canada have been tense for months. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is under increasing pressure to crack down on Beijing following reports of alleged Chinese interference in his country’s last two general elections.
In March, he announced the appointment of an independent Special Rapporteur. The opposition parties had previously called for an independent, public inquiry into the matter.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
