The Paul Wells Show
A history of Chinese influence in Canada
May 1, 2024
In this discussion, journalist and author Jonathan Manthorpe, known for his book "Claws of the Panda," shares his insights into Chinese influence in Canada. He critiques the focus of foreign election interference investigations, suggesting a deeper issue lies in Canada's long-standing failure to confront Beijing's control over Canadians of Chinese heritage. Manthorpe delves into the historical ties between Canada and China, the naivety of Canadian leaders, and the political coercion faced by the Chinese diaspora, shedding light on the complexities of Canada’s foreign relations.
44:06
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Quick takeaways
- Jonathan Manthorpe critiques the focus on election interference as it overshadows the deeper issue of the CCP's intimidation of Chinese Canadians.
- The historical relationship and naive policies of Canada towards China have allowed exploitation, significantly impacting security and freedoms within the Chinese diaspora.
Deep dives
The Relevance of the Inquiry into Election Interference
The ongoing public inquiry into election interference is viewed as irrelevant by the expert Jonathan Manthorpe. He argues that the focus on whether Beijing has marginal influence on Canadian elections overlooks a far more pressing issue: the profound impact of Chinese Communist Party (CCP) dominance over the lives of Chinese expats in Canada. Manthorpe believes that the real story lies in the intimidation and influence tactics used by the CCP, which have been documented for decades, yet only gained traction in public discourse when linked to Canadian elections. This frustration stems from a perception that Canadian politicians largely ignore the deeper security threats facing individuals of Chinese descent in Canada.
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