Confidential 2017 Memo Advised Trudeau to Steer Clear of Criticizing China Despite Evidence of CCP Interference
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau received a secret memo in 2017 warning him against publicly criticizing China, despite evidence of Chinese Communist Party (CCP) agents committing crimes in Canada.
The memo, dated June 29, 2017, was from Cabinet aides during negotiations for a Chinese free trade agreement.
The memo, marked top secret and obtained by Blacklock’s Reporter, stated that the Canadian Security Intelligence Service described Chinese foreign influence activities in Canada as sophisticated, pervasive, and persistent, with China being the most active in these activities.
It advised Mr. Trudeau not to speak negatively about China, even though the memo mentioned China specifically 28 times, to avoid potential bilateral incidents.
The memo detailed how CCP agents tried to influence Canadian elections, pressure officials, and control media content portraying China negatively. It also mentioned intimidating behavior towards Chinese Canadian dissidents.
The memo warned that these actions could be deemed illegal, especially targeting Canadians of Chinese ethnicity and those critical of China’s policies.
Canada-China Free Trade Talks
Ottawa and China initiated discussions for a free trade agreement in 2016, which were eventually halted in 2020.
Despite public opinion against free trade with China due to human rights concerns, Mr. Trudeau’s government decided to discontinue the talks in 2020, citing China’s coercive diplomacy.
Mr. Trudeau mentioned that Canada’s relationship with China had stabilized, but a full rapprochement was not feasible at the time due to concerns of foreign interference.
A recent CSIS report revealed China’s significant efforts to interfere in Canadian elections and institutions.
The public inquiry into foreign interference in Canada’s elections showed that a majority of Canadians believed China attempted to influence their elections.
According to polls, many Canadians view China as a threat or an enemy, highlighting the ongoing concerns regarding Chinese interference.
Andrew Chen, Reuters, and The Canadian Press contributed to this report.
