The Canadian Premier Justin Trudeau has accused Beijing of attempting to interfere in the country’s elections, by playing ‘aggressive games’ and targeting the Canadian institutions. The Canadian intelligence seems to have identified a clandestine network of Beijing-backed candidates at the recent elections, which has brought about the claim by the Prime Minister.
In the 2019 federal elections, at least 11 of the candidates were reported to be backed by China, while a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said that China has ‘no interest’ in any of Canada’s internal affairs. According to reports, Beijing had directed funds to the candidates and many of the Chinese operatives had acted as campaign advisers to them. A funding of £160,000 was directed through the office of an Ontario-based provincial MP, sources also stated. While the transaction was said to be directed from China’s consulate in Toronto, it also sought to place operatives within the offices of serving MPs in an attempt to influence policy. Efforts were made to corrupt former Canadian officials in a bid so as to gain influence within the political circles.
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