Canadian Mounties probing China’s alleged targeting of lawmaker Michael Chong
- The accusations – which led to a tit-for-tat expulsion of diplomats – are among over 100 inquiries into foreign meddling, RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme says
- Canada says China is trying to interfere in its affairs through various schemes, including illegal police stations, but Beijing has denied the allegations
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police are investigating allegations China tried to intimidate a federal legislator, one of more than 100 inquiries into foreign meddling, the RCMP commander said on Tuesday.
Canada has accused China of trying to interfere in its affairs through various schemes, including illegal police stations and the targeting of lawmakers. Beijing has strongly denied all such allegations.
Ottawa expelled a Chinese diplomat last month for allegedly seeking to target opposition lawmaker Michael Chong’s family in Hong Kong in 2021, prompting a tit-for-tat response by Beijing.
The RCMP found out about the incident from media reports and discussions in parliament, RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme told a parliamentary panel studying foreign interference allegations.
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“When we were made aware of it, we approached Mr Chong and began an investigation.” he said, adding that the force was looking into the alleged targeting of other individuals.