Canada Expels Chinese Diplomat; In Retaliation China Also Expels Canada’s

Canada expelled a Toronto-based Chinese diplomat Zhao Wei accusing him of trying to intimidate a Canadian lawmaker critical of Beijing. In retaliation Beijing’s foreign ministry labeled Canadian diplomat Jennifer Lynn Lalonde as “persona non grata” and she was asked to leave China by May 13.

China on Tuesday said it was expelling Canada’s consul in Shanghai in a tit-for-tat move.

“As a reciprocal countermeasure in reaction to Canada’s unscrupulous move, China decides to declare Jennifer Lynn Lalonde, consul of the Consulate General of Canada in Shanghai persona non grata.”

Beijing’s move comes after Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said Toronto-based Chinese diplomat Zhao Wei would have to leave the country.

She added that foreign diplomats in Canada “have been warned that if they engage in this type of behaviour, they will be sent home.”