PM Justin Trudeau accuses China of interfering with Canada election

Justin Trudeau, the prime minister of Canada, has accused China of meddling in several candidates' election campaigns there. China has been accused of targeting various candidates from both the Liberal Party and the Conservative Party by Trudeau. According to Canada’s PM, efforts were made by China to bribe candidates and advise them during recent elections. It has been found that China supported at least eleven candidates during the federal elections of 2019.

Canadian Intelligence informed Global News that Beijing funded campaigns of various candidates, where up to $250,000 Canadian were paid. The funds were directed through an Ontario-based MP, and the Chinese Consulate in Toronto had a direct hand in it. China wanted to have its people in these political circles to frame policy in favour of China. For that, many political people and former government officials were bribed.

Justin Trudeau has informed reporters that Canada was strengthening their systems further due to China's interference. He said Canada would strive to block interference in its democratic institutions and processes from foreign countries. Trudeau stressed that special attention has been paid to the election process so that Canada tries to maintain its democracy.




However, China, through its foreign ministry, denied involvement and said that internal matters of countries were of no interest to them. The Canadian Mounted police were investigating reports of consulates indulging in criminal activities like bringing in dissidents and questioning them. China, it is said, has been operating its consulates as extended police outposts and threatening people who oppose the Chinese government to go and face criminal charges.

FAQs:

1. How much Chinese exports reach Canada?
   US$ 51 billion in 2021.
2. What is Canada's biggest export to China?
   Coal- $5 billion in 2021.