Canada's Intelligence Agency has leveled grave accusations against China. The spy agency claims there's conclusive evidence of China's stealthy interference in Canada's two recent general elections.
The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) reports that China interfered in the 2019 and 2021 elections, which resulted in victories for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal Party. The allegations of China's role have sparked outrage among opposition parties, prompting Trudeau to set up an inquiry commission on foreign electoral interference.
CSIS has prepared a document concerning foreign intervention in the elections, claiming China was involved in influencing the 2019 and 2021 Canadian general elections. There is substantial proof of foreign involvement, with allegations of support from China-backed stakeholders. Information regarding this was also conveyed to PM Justin Trudeau's office.
Nevertheless, China has denied any involvement in meddling with Canadian politics. Erin O'Toole, the campaign leader for the Conservative Party during the 2021 elections, had expressed concerns about Chinese interference, attributing it to the loss of nine seats for his party.
Trudeau to Appear Before the Commission on Wednesday
Intelligence analysts and the Conservative Party have criticized the Trudeau government for not adequately handling Chinese interference. Trudeau is scheduled to testify before the commission on Wednesday.
Note that the Conservative Party is generally more stringent on China than the Liberal Party. The Conservatives publicly condemned China during the 2021 elections, particularly for their treatment of Uighur Muslims.
The Chinese embassy has yet to respond to the CSIS report. There are approximately 1.7 million people of Chinese descent living in Canada.
India's Alleged Election Interference?
Earlier this year, Justin Trudeau's government made serious allegations against India, claiming potential meddling in Canada's elections.
The Canadian intelligence accused India, Pakistan, China, and Russia of interfering in their 2019 and 2021 elections. The agency's documents claim India's government attempted to intervene via an Indian government agent during the 2021 election. A strategy focused on targeting electoral districts with smaller populations, often believed by India to sympathize with the Khalistan movement or Pakistan-backed political views. India vehemently denied these claims, stating intervention in other countries' democratic processes is not their policy.
India Denies Baseless Allegations
In response to these charges, India's government firmly rebutted all allegations of interfering in Canada's elections. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi stated that India does not engage in other nations' democratic processes and criticized Canada's interference in India's internal affairs.
Diplomatic Tension Persists Between Canada and India
Diplomatic tensions have been ongoing between Canada and India since last year. In September, Trudeau hinted at India's involvement in the assassination of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Following India's expulsion of a senior Canadian diplomat alleging a link between a Canadian citizen and the murder, India reciprocated by ordering a top Canadian diplomat to leave within five days.
Subsequently, India cited interference and excessive numbers of Canadian diplomats in internal matters and instructed Canada to reduce its diplomatic staff. Canada then recalled 41 additional diplomats from India.
