Canada’s former ambassador to the People’s Republic of China (PRC), David Mulroney, said on Thursday that there was “abundant evidence” to support the existence of Beijing’s long-term plan to influence Canadian politicians at all levels of government as new allegations of election interference come out.
Mulroney, who headed Canada’s diplomatic mission in China from 2009 to 2012, tweeted his views on the heels of intelligence leaks which show China attempted to groom candidates for Vancouver’s municipal election last year.
“There is abundant evidence of Beijing’s patient, long term effort to extend its reach into Canadian politics at all levels, seeking to groom and develop people of steadily increasing connectedness and influence,” tweeted Mulroney.
The former ambassador also criticized Prime Minister Justin Trudeau after he announced that former governor general and Trudeau Foundation member David Johnston would head an inquiry into the Chinese interference allegations.
Reports have implicated the prime minister and eleven MPs of benefiting from Chinese influence campaigns.
“In less than 24 hours, the (prime minister’s) proposed measures to address PRC interference have been rendered irrelevant by the growing scope of the scandal. Putting off a full and transparent accounting will only further undermine public confidence,” said Mulroney.
Mulroney testified before the House of Commons house affairs committee on Feb. 7, claiming that China uses proxies to expand influence in Canada through the media, academia and government.
“Here in Canada, Beijing recruits proxies to parrot its talking points; to expand its influence in media, on college campuses and in government; and to launder its illicit financial contributions,” said Mulroney.
“The party’s objective is to transform Canada into a compliant country that perpetually looks over its shoulder to be sure what it says and does meets Beijing’s approval and that looks the other way when Beijing’s extraterritorial reach extends into our communities.”
Mulroney has advocated for the expulsion of Chinese diplomats implicated in interference schemes.
The former ambassador also criticized Prime Minister Justin Trudeau after he announced that former governor general and Trudeau Foundation member David Johnston would head an inquiry into the Chinese interference allegations.
Reports have implicated the prime minister and eleven MPs of benefiting from Chinese influence campaigns.
“In less than 24 hours, the (prime minister’s) proposed measures to address PRC interference have been rendered irrelevant by the growing scope of the scandal. Putting off a full and transparent accounting will only further undermine public confidence,” said Mulroney.
Mulroney testified before the House of Commons house affairs committee on Feb. 7, claiming that China uses proxies to expand influence in Canada through the media, academia and government.
“Here in Canada, Beijing recruits proxies to parrot its talking points; to expand its influence in media, on college campuses and in government; and to launder its illicit financial contributions,” said Mulroney.
“The party’s objective is to transform Canada into a compliant country that perpetually looks over its shoulder to be sure what it says and does meets Beijing’s approval and that looks the other way when Beijing’s extraterritorial reach extends into our communities.”
Mulroney has advocated for the expulsion of Chinese diplomats implicated in interference schemes.
