Zhao Wei, a Chinese diplomat in Toronto, and Jennifer Lynn Lalonde, the Canadian consul in Shanghai, face a five‑day deadline to pack and depart for their respective countries. The expulsion marks a new low point in bilateral ties between Canada and China, a relationship already strained by years of arrests, mutual distrust, and political friction.
The latest crisis emerged from a report in a Canadian newspaper, the Globe and Mail, which cited intelligence sources alleging that Zhao had intimidated a Conservative MP, Michael Chong. The report suggested Zhao played a role in galvanizing a parliamentary effort that defined a counter‑campaign against Uyghur ethnicity concerns in Xinjiang. The outlet claimed Zhao would assist in gathering information about Chong’s relatives to set an example and deter criticism in Beijing’s view.
Mutual expulsion of diplomats
The information unleashed a political storm that pushed Ottawa to clarify the situation. The Canadian foreign affairs ministry stated that Beijing would not tolerate any further involvement in domestic politics. The stance did not satisfy the conservative opposition, which pressed the government for a stronger reaction. Three days later, Ottawa issued a measure naming Zhao persona non grata and ordered him to leave Canada. The question now centers on who will replace the chief Canadian diplomatic mission in Beijing, and the name circulating is Consul Jennifer Lynn Lalonde.
Beijing insisted that it reserved the right to take further action in response to what it called the irrational and unscrupulous expulsion of a Chinese diplomat, an act it deemed a violation of fundamental international norms. Chinese officials rejected the accusations as slander and political manipulation and accused foreign media of ideological prejudice.
The broader China–Canada relationship has long been a topic of intense public and political debate. Critics argued that Canada had shown political weakness in past tensions, while supporters contended that procedural safeguards and measured responses preserved essential diplomatic channels. Prime Ministers and cabinet ministers were urged to improve communication with parliament and to share any credible threat assessments with lawmakers. One opposition figure argued that a stronger, swifter response was appropriate, saying the situation reflected a broader pattern of interference in domestic affairs by foreign powers.
Crucial, unsettled crisis
The Canada–China relationship has endured shocks since the Huawei affair and other strategic tensions during the late 2010s. The Huawei case highlighted a clash over technology, trade, and national security between North American allies and a major global technology conglomerate. Canada found itself entangled in broader US‑led dynamics, particularly around sanctions and policy coordination on Iran and other strategic matters. The Meng Wanzhou detention in relation to U.S. sanctions and the subsequent legal cases drew intense media scrutiny and domestic political reaction.
The incident fed into a larger narrative about espionage and the risk of mixed signals between countries with divergent legal systems and governance customs. In parallel, Canadian authorities faced scrutiny over how information was handled and how promptly it was shared with parliament and the public. Critics argued for clearer, more timely communication from intelligence agencies, while others stressed the importance of protecting confidential sources.
The tensions surfaced again during the recent high‑level meetings attended by global leaders. Reports described a sharp rebuke from Chinese officials toward Canadian leadership when sensitive details of discussions were disclosed to the media. Observers noted that such moments could complicate ongoing diplomacy, even as leaders reiterated commitments to dialogue and crisis management mechanisms.