China Expels Foreign Diplomat Over Retaliatory Terms

EKO HOT BLOG reports that in a retaliatory move against Canada, China has expelled the Canadian consul in Shanghai after Ottawa sent home a Chinese diplomat accused of attempting to intimidate a Canadian Member of Parliament.

The deterioration in relations between the two countries follows reports of alleged Chinese political interference in Canada, particularly regarding China’s treatment of its Uighur minority population.

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On Monday, Canada declared China’s diplomat, Zhao Wei, “persona non grata” and ordered her to leave the country. In response, China ordered the removal of Jennifer Lynn Lalonde, Canada’s diplomat in its Shanghai Consulate. Both diplomats have been given five days to exit their respective countries.

The decision by Ottawa comes after a Canadian intelligence report, published in the Globe and Mail newspaper, accused Zhao of gathering information about Canadian lawmaker Michael Chong.

Chong had been vocal in criticizing China’s treatment of the Uighurs, leading to China targeting him and his relatives in Hong Kong. Canada’s spy agency believes China sought details about Chong’s family in an effort to deter him from taking “anti-China positions.”

In a statement, Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly announced Zhao as “persona non grata” and stated that Canada would not tolerate foreign interference in its internal affairs. The move was made after careful consideration of all factors involved, according to Joly.

China condemned Canada’s decision as “unscrupulous” and retaliated by expelling Lalonde, referring to its action as a “reciprocal countermeasure.” China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed strong protest and condemned Canada’s move.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had previously announced the appointment of an independent special rapporteur in March to investigate allegations of Chinese interference in Canadian elections. The recent expulsion of diplomats further escalates tensions between the two countries.

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The diplomatic row between Canada and China highlights the ongoing challenges faced in their bilateral relationship, which has been strained in recent years. Both countries now face the task of navigating this latest setback and finding ways to address their differences.

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