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.
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.
Historical Connections and Influences
The historical relationship between Canada and China significantly shapes current dynamics, often marked by delusion on the Canadian side. Manthorpe points to the work of Dr. Paul Lin, who played a crucial role in establishing ties and fostering business relations between the two nations. Lin's efforts began in the 1960s with a focus on diplomatic recognition and later on establishing educational and business partnerships. However, the consequences of these ties and the reality of Chinese influence have become more evident, with certain Canadian sectors still falling prey to the CCP's influence campaigns.
Misconceptions about Canada's Relationship with China
Manthorpe critiques the self-delusion prevalent among Canadian policymakers regarding their relationship with China, particularly the belief that engaging with the CCP would lead to positive reforms underpinned by shared values. He emphasizes that while Canada has contributed significant resources to aid in China's development, the reality has shifted to a landscape where China looks to exploit its relationship, often resulting in intellectual property theft. This disillusionment was cemented during the past decade, as Canada's naive approach has led to significant losses and a lack of discernible benefits from the partnership. The stark contrast between the reality of this connection and the optimistic narratives propagated by Canadian officials continues to be a critical point of concern.
The Changing Nature of the Chinese Diaspora in Canada
The nature of the Chinese diaspora in Canada has evolved, particularly after 2015, with the majority of new immigrants now hailing from mainland China rather than Hong Kong. This shift has contributed to cultural misunderstandings and a disconnect between the experiences of these immigrants and their Canadian counterparts. The CCP's influence extends into these communities, where tactics such as familial intimidation and suppression of dissident voices are employed to maintain control. This situation has heightened concerns about the freedoms and security of individuals within the Canadian-Chinese community, highlighting the need for a more robust stance against external pressures from the Chinese government.
Is the commission into foreign election interference asking the wrong question about China? That’s what journalist Jonathan Manthorpe thinks. He argues the real issue is that for decades Canada has failed to confront China’s efforts to control Canadians of Chinese heritage and influence Canadian institutions.
He wrote a book about it, Claws of the Panda: Beijing’s Campaign of Influence and Intimidation in Canada. It was originally published in 2019, but it’s now been updated to take into account everything that’s happened since, right up to the Foreign Interference Commission
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