Chinese retaliate by expelling Canadian diplomat

Introduction

The diplomatic relations between Canada and China have been strained since the arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou in Vancouver in December 2018. The situation escalated when Canada arrested two Canadians, Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, in China in what was widely seen as retaliation for Meng’s arrest. Now, the tension has risen again as China has expelled a Canadian diplomat in response to Canada’s decision to revoke the accreditation of a Chinese diplomat.

Background

The Chinese diplomat, Cong Peiwu, was serving as the consul general in Vancouver when he made comments in a media interview in October 2020 that were seen as threatening towards Canadians who support Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement. Cong warned that such individuals could „have their eyes plucked out“ and called the movement „extremely violent.“ His comments were widely condemned by Canadian officials and human rights groups.

In response, Canada revoked Cong’s accreditation in early November 2020. China immediately denounced the move as „gross interference“ in its internal affairs and threatened retaliation. On December 18, China followed through on that threat by expelling Canadian diplomat Brad Gilmour, who had been serving as the consul general in Chongqing. Gilmour had been working to promote Canadian business interests in China and had been in the country for less than a year.

Implications

The expulsion of Gilmour is the latest in a series of retaliatory measures taken by China against Canada since Meng’s arrest. In addition to the detention of Kovrig and Spavor, China has also imposed trade restrictions on Canadian goods and has issued travel warnings to its citizens about visiting Canada. The situation has strained the relationship between the two countries and has raised concerns about the safety of Canadians living and working in China.

The expulsion of Gilmour also highlights the growing tensions between China and Western countries over issues such as human rights, trade, and national security. Canada, along with the United States and other allies, has been critical of China’s treatment of its Uighur Muslim minority, its crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong, and its territorial claims in the South China Sea. China, in turn, has accused Western countries of interfering in its internal affairs and has sought to assert its influence on the global stage.

Conclusion

The expulsion of a Canadian diplomat by China in retaliation for Canada’s decision to revoke the accreditation of a Chinese diplomat is the latest escalation in the ongoing tension between the two countries. The situation has strained diplomatic relations and raised concerns about the safety of Canadians living and working in China. It also highlights the growing tensions between China and Western countries over issues such as human rights, trade, and national security. The situation is likely to continue to evolve as both sides seek to assert their interests and influence on the global stage

Original article Teaser

Canadian diplomat kicked out by Chinese in retaliation

The Canadian consul to Shanghai, Jennifer Lynn Lalonde, has been expelled by the Chinese government, in retaliation for a similar move by the Canadian government. On Monday Ottawa said Zhao Wei was ‘persona non grata,’ and was ordered to leave Canada. Zhao has five days to leave the country. Beijing then expelled LaLonde in a tit-for-tat move. The decision to expel Zhao came after an intelligence report alleged that he had intimidated Michael Chong, a Canadian MP. Chong has been outspoken over human rights abuses in China, and it was alleged that he was harassed by Chinese diplomats. Chong’s family in Hong Kong was also reportedly threatened. Chong was quoted as saying: ‘My hope is that this sends a clear

Details to Canadian diplomat kicked out by Chinese in retaliation