Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has accused the Chinese government of «aggressively interfering» in Canada’s electoral processes through «games» and the possibility that Beijing is targeting Ottawa for such interference.
This was the president’s pronouncement in relation to a series of investigations published by the Global News television network, which allegedly detail how China has been financing a clandestine network of at least a dozen candidates in the run-up to the presidential elections.
It also points to Chinese interference in the run-up to the 2019 election campaigns. «We took significant steps to strengthen the integrity of our electoral processes and we will continue to invest in the fight against interference, against foreign interference in our democracy and institutions,» Trudeau has asserted.
«Unfortunately we see how some countries and state actors, whether China or others, continue to play aggressively with our democracies,» he said after Canadian intelligence sources delivered documents to the Cabinet with allegations and details about alleged measures put in place by Beijing to increase its influence and «subvert the democratic process» in Canada.
The aforementioned television network has indicated that the Chinese government has allegedly placed Chinese advisors for the campaigns of some candidates. It also allegedly made donations to the campaign offices of several members of Parliament.
For its part, the Chinese Foreign Ministry has stressed that Beijing «has no interest» in Canadian domestic politics and has defended itself against the accusations, as reported by China News.
Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said relations between the two countries «can only be built on the basis of respect, fairness and mutual benefit.» «The Canadian side should stop making such statements, which are detrimental to bilateral relations,» he said.
