The federal government has flagged a foreign interference operation targeting Conservative MP Michael Chong that is likely sourced in China.
According to Global Affairs Canada (GAC), the department’s Rapid Response Mechanism detected an information operation during the June 19 by-elections on the popular Chinese social media app WeChat.
“In June 2023, while monitoring the digital information ecosystem for the June 19, 2023 by-elections, Global Affairs Canada’s Rapid Response Mechanism Canada detected an information operation targeting Michael Chong, Member of Parliament for Wellington-Halton Hills, which took place on the social media platform WeChat in May 2023,” wrote GAC.
Officials suspect that between May 4th and May 13th, social media activity targeting Chong spiked. This was around the time that the Canadian government expelled China’s diplomat Zhao Wei after it was revealed that he orchestrated an intelligence operation to target Chong’s family.
According to GAC, WeChat “amplified a large volume of false or misleading narratives” concerning Chong.
On Wednesday, Chong was briefed by security officials on the situation. Chong has been a vocal critic of the Chinese communist government and has led efforts to clamp down on foreign interference in Canadian elections.
“An analysis by the RRM to determine the possibility of state involvement revealed that, while China’s role in the information operation is highly probable, unequivocal proof that China ordered and directed the operation is not possible to determine due to the covert nature of how social media networks are leveraged in this type of information campaign,” wrote GAC.
In May, Canada declared Zhao a “persona non grata” and gave the Chinese diplomat a deadline to leave the country.
“I have been clear: we will not tolerate any form of foreign interference in our internal affairs. Diplomats in Canada have been warned that if they engage in this type of behaviour, they will be sent home,” said Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly.
According to a recent report by The Bureau, CSIS documents revealed China’s “takeover” of Chinese-language media in Canada and its influence on legacy media outlets.
Documents allege that “key editors, producers and high-ranking managers” were under the influence of Vancouver’s Chinese Consulate via covert operations.
