Beijing says 'never interfered' in Canadian elections
Beijing has said it did not interfere in Canada's federal elections, describing Canadian media reports saying otherwise as "false" and attempts at "smearing" China. A statement published late last week from Beijing's consulate general in the western city of Vancouver accused Canadian media of "smearing and discrediting China" and it expressed its "strong dissatisfaction". The statement followed a report in The Globe and Mail newspaper, citing confidential intelligence documents that claimed Beijing had interfered in the 2021 federal elections. The paper reported Beijing used diplomats and proxies to lead disinformation campaigns aimed at boosting certain candidates of the now-ruling Liberal Party. The consulate general statement said authorities had "made it clear on many occasions that China has always adhered to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries and has never interfered in any Canadian election." It said the accusations "will damage the friendship and interests of the peoples of both countries". The statement further urged "the relevant media to abide by professional ethics, immediately stop smearing and attacking China and the Consulate General, and do more good deeds" to improve mutual understanding. (AFP)