Canadian diplomat expelled from China in retaliation for similar move by Ottawa

Beijing declared a Canadian diplomat as 'persona non grata' Tuesday in retaliation for Ottawa's expulsion of a Chinese consular official, over allegations of foreign interference.

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly said she would speak Tuesday afternoon with Shanghai consul Jennifer Lynn Lalonde, whom she described in French as "a very respected career diplomat."

Earlier Tuesday, Beijing declared it would expel Lalonde in retaliation for Canada sending a Chinese envoy packing.

The Canadian Security Intelligence Service has alleged Zhao Wei, a consular officer for China in Toronto, was involved in a plot to intimidate Conservative MP Michael Chong and his relatives in Hong Kong.