Canada Expels Chinese Diplomat Amid Influence Concerns
New York TimesMAY 2023
As Johnston — a former member of the Trudeau Foundation and a friend of the Trudeau family — was appointed specifically to help the Prime Minister cover up Beijing's attacks, this report isn't surprising, though still disgraceful. Instead of censuring the government for mishandling claims of foreign interference, it passed the buck to media outlets to shape public opinion on the issue.
Unless the goal of some Canadian politicians is to fuel a new Cold War, there's no reason to demonize China. It is certain that Beijing seeks to shape reality in its own interests — as every great power does — but allegations of Chinese interference are mainly about suppressing dissent at home, not installing a pro-Chinese government in Canada. Ottawa is right to carefully choose how to react to Chinese actions.