25th March 2023 – (Ottawa) The Chinese Embassy in Canada has voiced its “strong dissatisfaction” and “firm opposition” to recent comments made by US President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on China-related issues.
In response to claims that China poses a long-term challenge to the international order and acts destructively, a spokesperson for the embassy stated that China advocates openness and tolerance, practices win-win cooperation, and has always been a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development and a defender of the international order. The spokesperson argued that a few Western countries, such as Canada and the US, cling to a Cold War mentality and engage in “bloc politics” based on small-circle interests, which arbitrarily undermine the sovereignty of other countries and cause great damage to international peace, security and development.
Regarding claims of Chinese interference in the internal affairs of Canada, the spokesperson stated that China has always adhered to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. China’s consular agencies have always performed their duties in accordance with international law and international practice, as well as the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations and the bilateral consular agreement between China and Canada.
The spokesperson urged the Canadian side to abandon its ideological bias and stop stigmatizing Chinese institutions and personnel in the normal performance of their duties. The embassy also called for an end to smearing and attacking China. The spokesperson stressed that China is a country governed by the rule of law, and that the relevant authorities handled the cases of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor in accordance with the law.
The spokesperson further pointed out that Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of Huawei, was detained for nearly three years without violating any Canadian law, which is an “uncompromisingly arbitrary detention”. China does not want to see difficulties in China-Canada relations, but the responsibility does not lie with China, the spokesperson stated. Some Canadian politicians have repeatedly made irresponsible remarks, creating new disruptions and obstacles to the relationship between the two countries, which will only further damage China-Canada relations and Canada’s own interests.
The spokesperson urged the Canadian side to adhere to mutual respect, seek common ground while reserving differences, and do more to enhance mutual trust, promote cooperation, and improve the atmosphere of bilateral relations. It is essential to avoid the exacerbation of tensions and the damage of diplomatic ties between the two countries.