Canada says China's election interference failed

Canadian officials say China tried to interfere in the country's two recent elections but was unable to change the results.

"Foreign governments have certainly sought to influence Canadian candidates and voters," investigator David Johnston said at a press conference on May 23.

Johnston was appointed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in March to investigate recent media reports that China interfered in Canada's 2019 and 2021 elections and make recommendations on what to do next.

Mr. Johnston concluded that those attempts at interference did not change the outcome of the votes. He added that Canada's 2019 and 2021 elections were "well protected and there is no basis to doubt those results."

"I have not found any cases involving ministers, prime ministers or their offices deliberately or negligently ignoring intelligence and failing to act," he said.

Prime Minister Trudeau welcomed the review, while opposition parties continued to call for the Canadian government to launch a public inquiry. Mr. Johnston is expected to release a final report in October.

The Chinese Embassy in Canada on May 23 rejected accusations that Beijing was interfering in Ottawa’s internal affairs. A spokesperson for the agency said it was part of a campaign “to smear China.”

Former Governor General David Johnston holds a press conference in Ottawa, Canada on May 23. Photo: Reuters

Prime Minister Trudeau's government is facing increasing pressure to take a tougher stance on China, after Canadian media cited intelligence sources saying China interfered in the country's elections in 2019 and 2021. China denied the information.

Recent reports have also suggested that Beijing sought to intimidate a Canadian MP and his family for criticizing China. In early May, Ottawa expelled a Chinese diplomat for allegedly being involved in the plan. Beijing responded by expelling the Canadian consul in Shanghai and warning Ottawa that it was undermining bilateral relations.

Concerns about China's interference in G7 democracies were included in the group's statement at its summit in Hiroshima, Japan last week.

“We will never tolerate foreign interference,” Prime Minister Trudeau said.

Thanh Tam (According to AFP, Reuters )

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