Beijing funds a “secret network of candidates” in the Canadian elections and Trudeau warns

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau warned on Monday that China is playing “hostile games” with Canadian democracy and institutions after a report by media revealed foreign interference in Canada’s election process.

Trudeau’s comments came after a report from the local Global News station on Beijing’s funding of a “secret network” of candidates in the recent election, and just days after authorities opened an investigation into ” “Chinese illegal police stations in thearea of Toronto to track down dissident and opposing Chinese.

“We have taken significant steps to strengthen the integrity of our electoral processes and systems and will continue to make efforts to combat election and foreign interference in our democracies and institutions,” Trudeau told reporters.

“Unfortunately we see countries and international players from all over the world, both China and others, continue to play hostile with our institutions and democracies,” he added.

And Global News, citing unnamed sources, reported that Canadian intelligence services told the Trudeau government that China is trying to influence or sabotage the country’s democratic process.

The station’s report stated that Beijing transferred money via an Ontario representative and others to at least 11 election candidates as well as Chinese agents who worked as activists in their election campaigns.

He added that Beijing has also tried to appoint agents in the offices of members of parliament to influence policies.

Last month, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police announced it was investigating reports of “criminal activity related to so-called police stations”.

According to the human rights group Safeguard Defenders, based in Spain, Chinese police used these police stations to carry out operations on foreign soil and pressure Chinese citizens to return in China to face criminal charges.

China has denied allegations of illegal activity by these centers, saying that these sites simply provide services such as driver license renewal for Chinese citizens overseas.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said Tuesday in a regular press conference that China “has no interest” in interfering in Canada’s internal affairs.

“Relations between countries can only be based on mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit,” he said. “Sino-Canadian relations are no exception. Canada should stop making statements that damage Sino-Canadian relations,” she added.

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