(Ottawa) Canada ousts a Chinese diplomat from the Consulate in Toronto. Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly declared Zhao Wei persona non grata because of the actions he orchestrated against Conservative MP Michael Chong.
Canada’s Foreign Minister made the announcement on Twitter on Monday afternoon, saying the decision was made “in careful consideration of all factors involved”, and that Ottawa remains convinced that “the defense of our democracy is of the utmost importance”.
The Chinese diplomat’s expulsion comes a week after reports were published in The Globe and Mail that Zhao Wei has crafted a campaign of threats against conservative lawmaker Michael Chong and members of his family in Hong Kong.
In recent days, and under intense pressure from opposition parties, Minister Joly and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had insisted on the complexity of this decision-making.
“The relationship with China, as seen in recent years, has not been without very real challenges, whether in terms of arbitrary detentions, trade – pork, canola – […] ]. There are elements to take into account, ”he explained at a press briefing in London last Saturday.
Last week, Ms. Joly had summoned Beijing’s ambassador to Ottawa, Cong Peiwu.
He “vigorously protested the threat to expel relevant Chinese diplomatic and consular personnel based on rumors of so-called ‘China interference’ amplified by some Canadian politicians and media,” a spokesperson said. word of the embassy at the end of the meeting.
If Ottawa continues its “provocations”, Beijing will retaliate every time, “until the end”, he added.
