Canada has publicly designated a Chinese diplomat as persona non grata following a formal decision announced by the country’s foreign affairs leadership. The move was communicated through the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the ministry’s top official outlining the decision and the rationale behind it. The action reflects Canada’s stance on safeguarding its sovereignty and ensuring that foreign conduct on Canadian soil aligns with international norms and national interests.
According to the Canadian authorities, the individual in question, Zhao Wei, associated with the Chinese diplomatic mission, engaged in activities that raised concerns about interference in Canada’s internal affairs. Officials stressed that Canada will not tolerate any attempts to influence domestic processes, politics, or governmental decision-making. The remarks underscored that the deportation decision followed a comprehensive review of available information and factors that bear on national security, diplomacy, and bilateral relations.
In response, the Chinese embassy issued a strong condemnation of Ottawa’s action, arguing that it violated fundamental principles of international law and jeopardized Sino-Canadian cooperation. The embassy characterized the expulsion as an aggressive move grounded in rumors of Chinese interference, which they claimed were amplified by certain politicians and media outlets. Beijing asserted that China has never sought to meddle in the internal affairs of other states, labeling the accusations as slander and political maneuvering influenced by ideological bias. The embassy warned of potential countermeasures and indicated that any outcomes would be borne by the Canadian side as a consequence of the Decision.
Previously, the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that an ambassador of the People’s Republic of China could be involved in or connected to discussions about intimidation of a member of Canada’s Parliament, a matter that drew attention to the sensitivities surrounding diplomatic conduct and parliamentary security. The overall situation highlights the ongoing challenges confronting Canada and China as they navigate a complex landscape of diplomatic engagement, mutual respect for sovereignty, and the need to maintain clear thresholds for acceptable behavior by foreign representatives on Canadian soil.