Zhao Wei, a Chinese diplomat, was allegedly expelled from Canada due to charges of political interference. The relationship between the two countries suffered as a result of Chinas alleged attempts to coerce a Canadian lawmaker and meddle in their elections. Zhao Wei, a resident of Toronto, was deemed “persona non grata” on Monday by Melanie Joly, Canadas foreign minister. The allegations have become a significant political issue for Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus government since he admitted to not being notified by intelligence services about Chongs alleged targeting.Le Canada a décidé de déclarer M. Zhao Wei persona non grata. pic.twitter.com/TrBaqKcA32— Mélanie Joly (@melaniejoly) May 8, 2023Response from BeijingFollowing the Canadian governments labelling of a Chinese diplomat as “persona non grata,” Beijing issued a statement calling for harsh retaliation and condemning the action taken. The Chinese embassy in Canada released a statement urging Ottawa to take a step back and warning that Canada will bear the repercussions of any firm actions taken by China. This decision has heightened tensions between China and Canada, with China alleging that Canada has destroyed their diplomatic ties.The accusation against the Chinese diplomat was that of seeking to attack Canadian politician Michael Chong and his relatives in Hong Kong because Chong supported a parliamentary motion denouncing Beijings treatment of its Uyghur minority. The Chinese Embassy in Canada responded by warning “powerful and decisive countermeasures.” The Canadian government has accused Zhao Wei, a Chinese diplomat, of seeking to intimidate Chong, who is critical of Chinas policies towards Uyghur Muslims. The Canadian Press stated an intelligence report accusing Zhao Wei of the same thing. According to the Chinese Embassy in Canada, Ottawas actions violate international law, international relations norms, and applicable bilateral agreements between the two countries.According to a statement issued by the Chinese Embassy in Canada, the Chinese government rejects any involvement in the internal affairs of other countries, describing the allegations of “Chinese influence in Canadian domestic affairs” as untrue and insulting, motivated by ideological bias and political manipulation. According to the embassy, Canadas recent expulsion of a Chinese diplomat jeopardises the legitimate rights and interests of Beijings diplomatic and consular workers, who have always carried out their duties in conformity with international conventions and relevant bilateral agreements. The embassy blamed the Canadian government for pandering to anti-China elements and pursuing actions against Chinese consular staff, which China rejects. The Chinese embassy encouraged the Canadian government to halt such activities and avoid going down the wrong path. This comes after Canada expelled Chinese diplomat Zhao Wei in response to charges of political involvement in the country. In March of this year, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the appointment of an independent special rapporteur to investigate potential Chinese meddling in their recent elections. These allegations came to light after the Canadian Security Intelligence Service discovered an accredited Chinese diplomat in the country had targeted opposition leader Michael Chong and his relatives in China after his criticisms of Beijings treatment of its Uyghur minorities.
