China rejects Canadian interference claims
China has rejected claims that it targeted a Canadian lawmaker and his family for his anti-Beijing stance. Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said on Thursday Ottawa was considering the expulsion of a Chinese diplomat accused of having sought to intimidate the Hong Kong relatives of Michael Chong. Canada's Globe and Mail newspaper, citing a Canadian intelligence report from 2021, on Monday said Beijing sought information about Chong and his family in a likely effort to "make an example" of him and "deter others from taking anti-PRC position". Canada summoned China's ambassador Cong Peiwu to a meeting. Cong denied interference in a statement and warned against expelling China's diplomats. "Once again, China strongly urges the Canadian side to immediately stop this self-directed political farce, and not go further down the wrong and dangerous path," Cong said. "Should the Canadian side continue to make provocations, China will play along every step of the way until the very end." Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said: "China has always opposed any country interfering in other countries' internal affairs. "We have never and have no interest in interfering in Canada's internal affairs." (Agencies)