Beijing and Ottawa trade denials over alleged meddling in Canadian elections
In a public exchange that highlighted frictions over claims of foreign influence, Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang dismissed Beijing’s alleged interference in Canada’s electoral process as a fabrication. The remarks were made during a roadside discussion with Canada’s foreign minister, Melanie Joly, on the margins of a larger gathering of global ministers convened in New Delhi to discuss international security and diplomacy. A source from TASS confirmed the account of the exchange.
Qin Gang characterized the accusations of Chinese meddling as nothing more than fiction, describing them as baseless allegations. He emphasized that China adheres to a stance of non-interference in the internal affairs of other sovereign states and reiterated a firm opposition to any actions that would attempt to influence a country’s domestic political landscape.
The Chinese foreign minister also took the opportunity to outline expectations that Canadian authorities would take practical steps to ensure that Chinese diplomatic missions on Canadian soil operate with transparency and restraint. He urged Ottawa to counter rumors and exaggerated claims that could strain bilateral relations, arguing that misperceptions about Beijing’s intentions would hinder constructive dialogue and practical cooperation between the two nations.
The discussion comes amid a history of contentious reporting on the topic. In late 2022, a Canadian television network reported that Beijing had been linked to attempts to influence Canada’s electoral process in the 2019 federal race. The report alleged that funds were directed to a subset of candidates in a bid to sway outcomes. The broader context of the reporting focused on how foreign influence concerns intersect with the integrity of national elections and the ways in which political campaigns are funded and monitored.
In response to the coverage, Canada’s national electoral authority clarified its position, indicating that it had not received evidence or data demonstrating direct interference by a foreign government in federal electoral affairs. The statement underscored the importance of verified information and official channels when assessing claims of overseas involvement in domestic elections. The episode underscored the ongoing tension between media reporting, government assurances, and the perceptions held by the public about election security.
Observers note that both sides have consistently called for calm and responsible conduct in the public sphere. Chinese officials insist that their missions abroad are focused on diplomatic engagement, cultural exchange, and practical cooperation on shared interests, while Canadian authorities stress the need for vigilance against any attempts to undermine voter confidence. The exchange between the two ministers highlights a broader pattern in which geopolitical disagreements are navigated through formal channels, official statements, and repeated assurances about the non-interference principle that is central to international diplomacy.