China unleashed ‘wolf warrior’ diplomacy on Canada. It may have backfired
- Ambassador Cong Peiwu’s remarks on the safety of 300,000 Canadians in Hong Kong may have stiffened the Trudeau government’s stance, and emboldened China hawks
- The contentious comments ‘make it far less likely that Canada will do China’s bidding’ said a former ambassador to Beijing
Canada’s foreign minister started last week by hailing the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties with China, and the importance of dialogue.
But by Thursday, Francois-Philippe Champagne was delivering a dressing down to Beijing’s ambassador, Cong Peiwu, for “unacceptable and disturbing” remarks about Canadians in Hong Kong, in which Cong accused Canada of encouraging “violent criminals” by reportedly granting refugee status to Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters.
Cong also suggested that “the good health and safety” of Canadians in Hong Kong might be at risk if Ottawa did not toe Beijing’s line. Asked to clarify if this was a threat, he said “that is your interpretation”.
The remarks were the latest example of China’s new “wolf warrior” style of diplomacy.
But Cong’s comments may have backfired.
If any other ambassador for any other nation had made a statement implying threats to Canadian citizens, then that ambassador would be declared persona non grata and out within 48 hours
Instead of being put in its place, the Liberal government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau – often assailed for being weak on China – responded with a toughened public response, while China hawks outside the government were emboldened.