Beijing strongly condemns Canada’s foreign interference inquiry, and the Chinese embassy warns of potential consequences if the country does not abandon its “ideological bias.” The comments from the Chinese embassy in Canada come after the federal government announced the public inquiry on Thursday, appointing a Quebec judge to lead the probe after a lengthy search.
Allegations of foreign interference by China and other countries in Canadian elections and society have been a prominent topic in Ottawa this year. The new inquiry will investigate Beijing, Russia, and other foreign states and non-state actors during the 2019 and 2021 general elections at the national and electoral district levels.
An embassy spokesperson expressed China’s strong disapproval of the inquiry, urging Canada to abandon its ideological bias and stop spreading false information about China’s interference. They also warned of possible repercussions if Canada continues to undermine China-Canada relations. However, the spokesperson did not provide further details on what these consequences might entail.
Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc, who is also the minister for democratic institutions, revealed that Marie-Josée Hogue, a judge from the Court of Appeal of Quebec, has been selected to lead the inquiry. Hogue will be required to present an interim report by February 29, 2024, and a final report in December of the same year, with her term beginning on September 18.
LeBlanc emphasized that foreign interference is not limited to China, describing it as a global challenge for democracies. He mentioned discussions with his counterpart in the U.K. regarding the challenges they are facing in relation to foreign interference.
Foreign interference has been a significant issue in Ottawa this year, with reports of alleged Chinese meddling in Canada. As these stories emerged, it was revealed that Beijing attempted to target sitting politicians, including Tory MP Michael Chong.
In May, the government confirmed that CSIS had information indicating Beijing’s intentions to intimidate Chong and his relatives in Hong Kong. These allegations arose after Chong voted in favor of a motion condemning China’s treatment of the Uyghur minority as a genocide.
The incident resulted in both countries expelling diplomats and prompted CSIS to implement a policy of informing MPs about threats, regardless of severity. Since then, NDP MP Jenny Kwan has stated that CSIS informed her of Chinese government interference, which she believes has been ongoing since the 2019 federal election.
The embassy spokesperson reiterated China’s denial of the interference allegations, accusing some Canadian politicians and media of spreading lies and disinformation to discredit China.
Given the strained relations between the two countries, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that there is currently no possibility of rapprochement with China.
Source: [Global News](https://globalnews.ca/news/9165234/beijing-deplores-canada-foreign-interference-inquiry/)
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