Terry Glavin: China’s ever-deepening infiltration of Canada
A new investigation reveals over 2,000 organizations in Canada and other countries that facilitate Beijing's influence, complicating Canada's diplomatic stance on China.
A recent investigation has uncovered significant infiltration by Chinese organizations in Canada, with over 2,000 pro-Beijing groups operating across Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany. This network of influence is reported to span eight fields of 'soft power', suggesting a concerted effort by the Chinese Communist Party to leverage community organizations and other intermediaries to push its agenda beyond its borders. This revelation raises serious concerns about the implications for national security and the integrity of Canadian democracy.
The findings come on the heels of a new strategic partnership formed between Prime Minister Mark Carney and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, which adds to the complexities of Canada's foreign policy toward China. Critics, including former national security analyst Dennis Molinaro, warn that the government's engagement with Beijing may hinder efforts to adequately address the growing influence of these pro-Chinese entities. Molinaro emphasizes that the government's role in setting the intelligence agenda is crucial and suggests that current policies may be insufficient to counteract these developments.
The infiltration poses significant challenges for Canada as it grapples with the need to balance diplomatic relations with Beijing while protecting its national interests. With the increasing visibility of these pro-China organizations, there is a pressing need for heightened awareness and strategic responses from Canadian authorities to mitigate potential risks posed by foreign interference in domestic affairs.