Canada Expels Chinese Diplomat Amid Influence Concerns
New York TimesNov 27, 2022
The Facts
On Tuesday, China escalated diplomatic tensions with Canada by classifying Shanghai-based consul Jennifer Lynn Lalonde as a "persona non grata," demanding she leaves China by May 13.
This comes as, on Monday, Chinese diplomat Zhao Wei was also declared "persona non grata" and ordered to leave Canada following reports that he helped to harass and gather information about Canadian Conservative lawmaker Michael Chong.
The Spin
Anti-China narrative
The Canadian government has carefully assessed the options to retaliate against allegations that Chinese diplomats had threatened a minister of parliament, anticipating potential Chinese backlash and the risks to the safety of the people and the prosperity of the country. The expulsion of Zhao Wei is the right measure to punish Beijing as it will not prompt harsher consequences for Canada. Some have said Trudeau hasn't gone far enough, but this was a calculated diplomatic move against aggressive PRC meddling.
Pro-China narrative
Ottawa has dangerously and recklessly become more confrontational towards Beijing due to domestic political infighting, undermining bilateral relations, and promoting fabricated claims to smear China. Beijing has never meddled in the internal affairs of other countries, and its diplomatic and consular personnel have always complied with international conventions and bilateral agreements. Canada must work hard to return to international norms for Beijing to restore its trust.
