John Ivison: Carney seeks ‘parliamentary exchange’ with a China that targets our MPs
The article discusses Prime Minister Mark Carney's meeting with Chinese officials amidst concerns about the safety and legitimacy of Canadian MPs traveling to China.
The article highlights a controversial meeting between Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Chinese officials, where discussions revolved around enhancing parliamentary exchanges between Canada and China. This comes in the context of heightened tensions and concerns over the safety of Canadian MPs visiting China, particularly those who are sanctioned. The situation exemplifies the complex and challenging diplomatic relationship between the two countries, especially considering recent actions from China targeting Canadian officials.
During the meeting, Carney spoke with Zhao Leji, a high-ranking member of the Chinese Communist Party, emphasizing the need for greater understanding and communication. However, this dialogue is overshadowed by the reality that Canadian MPs who accept invitations to visit China could be at risk of detention due to their sanctioned status. This raises significant questions about the implications of such exchanges on Canada's foreign policy and the protection of its elected officials.
Furthermore, the article notes a formal request from the Chinese Foreign Affairs Committee to invite Chinese parliamentarians to Canada, which has met with skepticism from Canadian lawmakers. Key figures, including Conservative MP Michael Chong and Bloc MP Alexis Brunel, express reluctance to engage with a regime that poses risks to their safety. Overall, the article underlines the delicate balancing act Canada must perform in navigating its relationship with China while ensuring the safety and integrity of its own legislature.