Commentary
The teachings of the ancient Chinese philosopher Confucius continue to resonate today, despite him having lived 2,500 years ago. Some of his sayings are particularly relevant to current discussions:
“Study the past if you would define the future” and “An oppressive government is more to be feared than a tiger.”
Many are familiar with the existence of “Confucius Institutes” on various university campuses and within school boards in Canada. These institutes, established in 2007 and sponsored by the People’s Republic of China, aim to promote Chinese language learning, enhance educational exchanges between Canada and China, and improve mutual understanding.
It is no surprise that the autocratic Chinese regime restricts any deviation from the party line and suppresses negative portrayals of the country. The Confucius Institutes serve as a facade for such activities.
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CSIS has the authority to investigate and advise the government on foreign influenced activities within or relating to Canada that are detrimental to the country’s interests. Despite warnings from CSIS regarding China’s actions, these concerns have not always been taken seriously.
While China’s interference is a significant issue, it raises questions about whether other countries also engage in similar unwanted pressure tactics.
With the financial challenges faced by educational institutions, there is a concern that new foreign funding sources may be sought to sustain operations. While this funding could be beneficial, the implications for Canada’s national security must be carefully considered.
As Confucius wisely said, “Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation, there is sure to be failure.”
Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
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