Chong tells U.S. Congress closer co-operation with allies needed to combat foreign interference

Conservative MP Michael Chong is testifying before the United States Congress on his experience being the target of foreign interference by China. Chong was invited to appear before the Congressional-Executive Commission on China as part of its study into 'countering China's global transnational repression campaign.'

More co-operation and co-ordination between Canada and the U.S. is needed to combat foreign interference by China, Conservative MP Michael Chong told the United States Congress Tuesday.

Chong was invited to appear before the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, as part of its study into "countering China’s global transnational repression campaign," to share his experience as a target of foreign interference by Beijing.

“Foreign interference threatens our economy, our long term prosperity, social cohesion, our Parliament and our elections,” Chong testified before the United States Congress in Washington, D.C. “It requires a suite of measures to combat, including closer cooperation amongst allied democracies.”

“Canada must work toward a stronger defence and security partnership with the United States and allies,” he added. “We must look for every opportunity to strengthen this partnership to meet the challenge of rising authoritarianism and to preserve our fundamental freedoms, our democracy and the rule of law.”

Chong’s testimony comes amid multiple reports in the last several months about the Chinese government allegedly and repeatedly targeting the MP and his family in retaliation for his condemnation of China’s treatment of Uyghur Muslims.

Commission chair U.S. Representative Christopher Smith called Beijing’s targeting of Chong “unacceptable and outrageous overreach” and said he and his colleagues were “appalled” to learn of it.

Chong appeared before the commission solo, and was followed by a panel of experts. Witnesses were slated to discuss the tactics used by Beijing to interfere in other countries, including “transnational repression and its effects on diaspora and dissident communities in the United States, Canada and worldwide,” according to Tuesday’s meeting notice.