China, Canada Engage In Diplomatic Spat Over Alleged Intimidation Attempt

Tensions between China and Canada have escalated after each country expelled a diplomat over allegations of attempted intimidation.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has asked a Canadian diplomat from Shanghai to leave China after Canada expelled Chinese diplomat Zhao Wei.

The dispute follows a report by The Globe and Mail newspaper stating that the Chinese government was targeting Canadian lawmaker Michael Chong and his family in Hong Kong.

This is after he sponsored a parliamentary motion condemning Beijing's conduct in Xinjiang as genocide.

The Canadian government also declared a diplomat of the Consulate-General of China in Toronto persona non grata, after which China declared Jennifer Lynn Lalonde, consul of the Consulate General of Canada in Shanghai persona non grata.

This latest controversy has further strained relations between the two countries.

The recent expulsion of diplomats from Canada and China has further strained relations between the two countries.

This is with China stating that it has lodged serious démarches and strong protests against Canada.