China on Friday, 16th October 2020 has justified the warning by its envoy to the Canadian government. The warning was to not grant asylum to Hongkongers who are fleeing abroad. According to China, the ambassador was stating Beijing’s just position.
Chinese Ambassador to Canada, Cong Peiwu, in a video press conference from the Chinese Embassy in Ottawa, on Thursday, 15th October 2020 said that they strongly urge the Canadian side to not grant the political asylum to those violent criminals in Hong Kong. This is because it will be interference in China’s domestic affairs. Also, it will give confidence and courage to those violent criminals.
Cong further added that if the Canadians really care about the stability and the prosperity in Hong Kong, and really cares about the good health and safety of those 300000 Canadian passport-holders in Hong Kong, and the large number of Canadian companies operating in Hong Kong SAR, they should support the efforts to fight violent crimes.
Why Is Canada Providing Asylum To HongKongers?
A large number of residents of Hong Kong have been leaving the former British colony. The migration is due to their resentment towards China’s move to extend the new security law to the specially administered province.
After Cong’s remarks about Canada’s interference which were interpreted as a warning by Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian speaking in a media briefing told that the Chinese embassy in Canada just made clear their just position on issues relating to Hong Kong. And the statement is beyond reproach. Zhao further added that if anyone is misinterpreting this statement, then they should ask for the reason. And also find out if there are any ulterior motives.
Chinese President Xi Jinping on 30th June signed a controversial security law. This law gave Beijing new powers over Hong Kong. This new law is tailor-made to crackdown against dissent, criminalizing sedition, and effectively curtailing protests. This is amidst global anger and outrage in the former British colony.
The relations between China and Canada were strained earlier by the arrest of Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou, in Vancouver in 2018. The arrest was because of a bank fraud warrant issued by the US authorities.
Meng is currently facing trial in the bank fraud case. She is also the daughter of Chinese telecom giant Huawei’s founder Ren Zhengfei.
Following the arrest, China has detained two Canadians Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig. The duo is facing charges for spying on national secrets and providing intelligence for outside entities.
