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China’s foreign interference is “mostly aimed at improving bilateral relations,” says a Liberal Senate appointee.
Blacklock’s Reporter says Sen. Yuen Pau Woo says he personally overheard a Chinese diplomat advise a Canadian audience on how to vote.
But Woo insisted there was no reason to worry.
“He warned we should not stigmatize people for listening to the Chinese position on an issue and making up their own minds,” said the Sept. 30 affidavit filed with counsel at the Commission on Foreign Interference.
“He noted, for example, he has been to functions in Canada where a Chinese diplomat would tell the audience that Canada-China relations are in a bad way and would encourage attendees to vote and advocate for better bilateral relations. While such actions may offend Canadian sensibilities because of antipathy towards China, they do not amount to foreign interference, according to Sen. Woo.”
In 2020, Woo had an appearance at a $10-per-ticket meeting of the Canada-China Friendship Society.
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“Sen. Woo’s view is the Chinese Communist Party is not interested in domestic Canadian legislation,” said the affidavit.
“He does not get lobbied by China on gun legislation, for example, whereas he is frequently lobbied by American interests on that subject.”
The Chinese Communist Party “continues to cultivate the favour of overseas Chinese communities,” Woo said in his affidavit.
“He said this is not necessarily sinister, comparing it to other ethnic groups like the Irish diaspora or the Jewish community. Sen. Woo agreed the People’s Republic of China has the ability to influence people in Canada who have family or business connections in China.”
Woo said it was “likely accurate” that Communist Party views dominate Chinese language media in Canada but considered it unimportant. “Holding views that are sympathetic to some People’s Republic positions does not make those publications mouthpieces or proxies of the Chinese state.”
Woo stated in the discourse about foreign interference, Canadians are ignoring the influence of the United States.
“He said he is constantly being lobbied by U.S.-aligned interests on various domestic public policy issues, including legislation that is before Parliament. While this activity may not be state sponsored, it has a much bigger impact on the lives of Canadians. He believes the influence of U.S. state and non-state actors on Canadian politics and society is much more profound.”