The power of attorney to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s minister does not specify much about China, and it is unclear whether the Liberal Party government has China’s policies.
In him letter For Foreign Minister Melanie Joly, China is not mentioned by name, but many directives may be related to China.
Trudeau calls on Jolly to formulate and launch a “Comprehensive Indo-Pacific Strategy to Deepen Diplomatic, Economic and Defense Partnerships and International Assistance in the Region”, but does not state its basic purpose. ..
The move to “blame” and “eradicate” arbitrary detention may apply to any country, but was detained in China for more than 1,000 days in clear retaliation for Canada’s arrest of Huawei CFO Meng. The case of Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig may have been the motive. Wangzhou at the request of the United States.
Another section of the letter, which may be related to China, is a directive to work with partners on “economic coercion, cyber threats, foreign interference with democratic processes, and gross human rights infringement.”
Letter to the Minister Public security When defense Nor does it mention China.
On the other hand, at the end of the year interview Trudeau, along with CTV’s Evan Solomon on December 19, said China was a “significant challenge,” but declined to answer whether the Beijing administration would be considered a threat.
“Many challenges there”
In an interview, Solomon asked Trudeau if China was the greatest threat to Canada.
Trudeau said China is seen as an important issue, but there are other issues that fall into the same category, such as the “rise of authoritarian nations.”
“So is cyber-attack. So is Russia in Ukraine. There are many international challenges in a global open trading system that is affected by democracy and supply chain challenges like Canada. There are many challenges, and China is certainly one of them, “he said.
Trudeau was also asked if he believed that the persecution of Uighurs in China’s Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region constitutes a genocide, as stated by the British, US, and Canadian Parliaments. During a parliamentary vote on the issue earlier this year, Trudeau and his cabinet abstained, but other Liberal lawmakers voted to admit the persecution as a genocide.
“I believe there are human rights abuses that need to be fully investigated and exposed and explained,” Trudeau said.
When Solomon said China would not allow the investigation, Trudeau said: We know that proper investigation is needed on these claims of genocide. That is what China needs to accept and we will continue to put pressure on them until they accept. “
Mehmed Torti, managing director of the Uighur Rights Protection Project, criticized Trudeau’s refusal to admit genocide and said his position was “no water.”
Tohti says there are already quite a few eyewitness testimonies, official documents and expert opinions on this issue.
“Not calling the atrocities committed by the Chinese government a genocide is another way to skip their responsibilities and can be interpreted as disrespecting the will of the Canadian Parliament,” Tohti said. I told the Epoch Times.
He added that China would not allow observers and journalists to visit “crime scenes.”
Trudeau told Solomon that Canada would “at the same time challenge and contend with China for human rights and its actions,” given China’s growth and impact around the world, while continuing to do business with Beijing.
Special China Committee
Another China-related issue that disappointed Tohti is the news that the Conservatives have decided not to start bidding to revive the House of Commons Special Committee, which broke up when the elections were convened.
The former committee, which was established two years ago when Brock and NDP supported the conservative move, gave its members the opportunity to tackle various issues related to China.
Conservative foreign critic Michael Chung told The Globe and Mail on December 20 that the reason was not a change in the party’s attitude towards China, but a resource problem in the House of Commons. ..
Mr Chung said a new scientific research committee was set up after the election and conservatives would like to consider withdrawing from Afghanistan in Canada through another committee that has recently spurred on. He also said China’s issues would be dealt with by the Diplomatic Commission.
“Kneeling the Chinese Commission in the Canadian Parliament is ranked everywhere as one of Beijing’s most successful and influential operations.” Tweet In response to this news, former Canadian Ambassador David Maloney.
“It guarantees that more weaponization of diaspora politics can be seen, effectively muting and immobilizing MPs.”
A Report According to the Disinfo Watch released in early December, it is likely that there was a “cooperative and influential operation targeting Chinese-Canadian voters” in the last election.
“The purpose of this false story was to incite fear and anger at the target community candidates and the Conservatives. The ultimate impact of these and other influential activities on the Conservatives. Is difficult to measure, but the influence and transformation of voters remains a promising goal, “the report said.
Tohti said he was “confused” and “disappointed” by the conservative move not to pursue a new committee, with other messages saying that taking a strong stance towards China would have political implications. Said to send to the party.
“Basically,” Be careful about your steps when criticizing China, otherwise the elections will be expensive. ” “
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Noé Charter is a Montreal-based Epoch Times reporter.