China today expelled Canada’s consul in Shanghai in a tit-for-tat move after Ottawa’s expulsion of a Chinese diplomat accused of attempting to intimidate a Canadian MP critical of Beijing.

Beijing’s foreign ministry named Jennifer Lynn Lalonde “persona non grata” in an English statement released online, adding that “China reserves the right to further react”.

Lalonde was instructed to depart China by May 13, 2023.

The statement reads, “China strongly condemns and firmly opposes this and has lodged serious demarches and strong protest to Canada”.

The statement further said, “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”.

Following Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly’s statement Beijing’s move comes.

Melanie Joly had said, “Toronto-based Chinese diplomat Zhao Wei would have to leave the country”.

She stated, “Canada will not tolerate any form of foreign interference in our internal affairs”.

Melanie Joly further said, “We remain firm in our resolve that defending our democracy is of the utmost importance”.

“Foreign diplomats in Canada have been warned that if they engage in this type of behavior, they will be sent home”, she added.

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