Canadian China refused media Reports claiming to have interfered in Federal elections in the country “false” and attempts to “smear” Beijing.
A statement issued earlier Friday by the Chinese consulate general in the West city of Canadian Vancouver charged media of “Defamation and defamation of China” and expressed “strong indignation.”
The statement followed a report in The Globe and Mail, citing classified intelligence documents, said Beijing had intervened in 2021 federal election.
China government Diplomats and agents use to lead Disinformation campaigns aimed at promoting certain candidates of liberal party – the party It is considered more favorable to Beijing — against The newspaper reported that their rivals are conservatives.
Chinese Consulate general The statement said that the authoritiesmade He. She clear on On many occasions, China has always adhered to this principle of No interference in internal affairs of last countries And she never interfered in Any Canadian election.”
She said the accusations “would damage friendship and interests of the peoples of both of them countries. “
The statement further urged “relevant media To abide by professional ethics, immediately stop defaming China and attacking the Consulate General, and do so more good Verbs ‘to improve mutual understanding.
Asked about the issue on Friday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau insisted: last elections, won with it governmentit was legitimate.
he added He was aware for “long time” of China attempts to intervene, but the Canadians could have intervened.total trust” in safety of their elections.
In Ottawa, a parliamentary committee is investigating allegations of Chinese interference in 2019 elections campaign in support of 11 candidates, most of them of them liberals.
Sino-Canadian relations have been tense for years, particularly after 2018 arrest From Canada, at the request of the United States, of Meng Wanzhou, senior executive of Chinese multinational Huawei. She is released in 2021.
Then, this month, four objects — including a huge balloon that US officials said is doing surveillance for China – She was shot down over North America, further straining relations.
Last November, Trudeau said he discussed it with President Xi Jinping issue of Chinese intervention in Canadian affairs on Sidelines of G20 summit in Bali.
Chinese officials declined to confirm the details of Discussion.
