Canada expels Chinese diplomat over threats to Conservative MP

Canada is expelling Chinese diplomat Zhao Wei following allegations by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) that he was involved in a plot to intimidate Conservative MP Michael Chong and his relatives in Hong Kong.

Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly stated that Canada has declared Zhao as “persona non grata” and warned diplomats that Canada will not tolerate any foreign interference in its internal affairs.

The move came after MPs voted in favour of a Conservative motion calling for the expulsion of certain diplomats and a public inquiry into foreign interference.

The threats against Chong came after he sponsored a motion labelling Beijing’s treatment of Uyghur Muslims in China a genocide.

The Chinese embassy in Ottawa has been asked to comment on Zhao’s expulsion.

The Conservative motion also calls for the creation of a foreign-agent registry and the closure of Beijing-run police stations, but it is not binding on the government to act.