'We will not be intimidated': PM Trudeau says after China retaliates, expels Canadian diplomat
CTV
China has declared a Canadian diplomat as 'persona non grata' in retaliation for Ottawa's expulsion of a Chinese consular official, who Canada's spy agency alleged was involved in a plot to intimidate Conservative MP Michael Chong and his relatives in Hong Kong.
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 Melanie Joly said she would speak Tuesday afternoon with Shanghai consul Jennifer Lynn Lalonde. Joly described her in French as "a very respected career diplomat."
Earlier Tuesday, Beijing declared it would expel Lalonde in retaliation for Canada's de sending a Chinese envoy packing.
The Canadian Security Intelligence Service hasalleged 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.
Joly announced Monday that Canada had declared Zhao as "persona non grata," ordering him to leave the country days after noting that such a move would likely lead to consequences.
"What we decided to do was based on us considering all factors," Joly said Tuesday in English.
"It needed to be thoughtful, it needed to take some time, and we needed to make sure that we did this in a very serious manner."
