Deteriorating Diplomatic Dispute Between China and Canada Raises Concerns of Covert Influence
As tensions continue to rise, China and Canada find themselves embroiled in a diplomatic dispute that not only instills apprehension about Beijing’s intimidation of critics abroad but also raises suspicions of heightened efforts to manipulate the political system of one of the world’s prominent democracies.
In a tit-for-tat exchange, both nations have expelled diplomats following Canada’s assertion that a Chinese official based in Toronto was involved in targeting a lawmaker and his family. Beijing promptly denied the allegation and responded with what it claimed to be “reciprocal countermeasures” announced on Tuesday.
“The expulsion of diplomats from both countries is a significant action,” emphasized Wang Yiwei, director of the International Affairs Research Center at China’s Renmin University. “It underscores the significant regression in the relationship between the two nations.”
This unfolding saga unfolds against a backdrop of years of strained ties, as China strives to position itself as a neutral power broker, seeking to diminish the influence of the United States on the global stage.
What’s behind the uproar in Canada?
Central to this incident is a leaked report from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS). According to the report, a Chinese diplomat named Zhao Wei, stationed in Toronto, was implicated in activities aimed at intimidating opposition Conservative lawmaker Michael Chong and his family in Hong Kong.
Chong was specifically targeted due to his prominent role in Canada’s legislative efforts to designate China’s alleged human rights abuses against the Muslim Uyghur minority as genocide. Despite the presence of documentary evidence and witness testimonies, China denies these allegations. The leaked report, dated 2021, was made public by The Globe and Mail newspaper last week, although specific details have not been officially disclosed by the intelligence agency.
The report asserts that China has taken specific measures to target Canadian lawmakers, including gathering information on Chong’s family members who may be residing in China, potentially for further repercussions. The Globe, citing anonymous intelligence sources, suggests that this is part of a broader campaign to undermine Conservative politicians considered unfavorable to Beijing while bolstering Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s ruling Liberals.
Additional revelations from the leaked documents include allegations of covert funding, and a member of Trudeau’s party resigned after denying any improper dealings with Chinese officials.
While NBC News has not independently verified the specifics of the leaked intelligence reports, Trudeau has tacitly acknowledged their essence. During a press conference in Ottawa on Tuesday, he stated, “We will not be intimidated. We will continue to take all necessary measures to protect Canadians from foreign interference.”
The revelations have ignited a storm in Canada and focused criticism on Trudeau, who says he was unaware of the intelligence report, as well as on the Chinese government. Commentators and political opponents have questioned why Trudeau only expelled Zhao a week after the intelligence was leaked — let alone two years after the report was written.
What was China’s response?
China’s riposte was swift.
Its Foreign Ministry said that Jennifer Lynn Lalonde, a Canadian diplomat based in Shanghai, had four days to leave the country, calling it a “reciprocal countermeasure in reaction to Canada’s unscrupulous move.”
Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin accused Canada on Tuesday of “a smear campaign against China,” and “ideologically based political manipulation” that was “nonsensical” and based on “lies.” He called the leaked intelligence document “unsubstantiated and purely fabricated with ulterior motives.”
“We advise the Canadian side to immediately stop unreasonable provocations,” Wang added. “If the Canadian side does not listen to advice and acts recklessly, China will resolutely and forcefully respond.”
Writing in the Global Times, a state-backed nationalist tabloid, its former editor Hu Xijin accused Canada of being an “American puppet state” that was “painting China in its own ugly image.”
NBC News has reached out to the Canadian embassy in Beijing for comment.
Why does the dispute matter?
The story touches on a few key themes in the uneasy relationship between China and the West.
For critics of Beijing, Chong’s alleged targeting by China would be another example of Beijing seeking to exert pressure on people and institutions overseas who have been critical of issues that it feels defensive over.
In the past, it has pulled NBA games off the air in retaliation for comments made by stars and team owners, allegedly harassed members of the Uyghur diaspora for speaking out, and been accused of setting up illegitimate police stations in New York and elsewhere.
Trudeau has appointed former Governor General David Johnston to further study the issue of alleged Chinese interference, including whether a public inquiry is needed.
Guy Saint-Jacques, Canada’s former ambassador to China, said it was “totally appropriate” for Canada to expel the diplomat.
“In fact, it should have been done some time ago,” he told NBC News. “It sends a very clear message to China that the Canadian government will not tolerate any more interference.”
He also called China’s response “proportionate” because “they could have decided to expel someone more senior.”