According to a federal intelligence summary released to the foreign interference inquiry, MP Han Dong informed a Chinese official that the treatment of the two Canadians detained in China could impact his Liberal Party’s fortunes against the Conservatives.
Mr. Dong testified before the inquiry on April 2 and discussed the information during his testimony.
The intelligence summary stated that Mr. Dong emphasized the importance of transparency from China regarding the “Two Michaels,” suggesting that it could help sway Canadian public opinion and provide political advantages to his party.
The “Two Michaels” refers to Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, who were detained in China in response to the arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou in Canada.
Mr. Dong also highlighted the Canadian public’s perception of China’s actions as wrong and lacking legal justification, especially in relation to the arrest of Ms. Meng.
He further discussed potential consequences of China releasing the two Michaels, given Canadians’ existing views on the situation.
The document also mentioned that Mr. Dong discussed the challenge of changing entrenched perspectives and expressed doubts that even if China released the two Michaels, opposition parties would view it positively.
Mr. Dong’s private conversation with the Chinese consul general in Toronto in early 2021 was detailed in the intelligence summary, where he clarified that his views were personal and not representative of the Canadian government.
Topics of discussion included the House of Commons motion on the treatment of Uyghurs in China as well.
An earlier version of this intelligence information led to Mr. Dong’s resignation from the Liberal caucus and a defamation lawsuit against the media outlet that published it.
Mr. Dong confirmed discussing the two Michaels with the Chinese official but disputed certain details reported by the media.
He denied suggesting to Beijing to extend the detention of the two Michaels, contrary to reports from Global News and the Globe and Mail based on national security leaks.
A public inquiry is ongoing due to these reports of foreign interference by Beijing.
Nomination Contest ‘Irregularities’
The intelligence summary document also highlighted irregularities during the Liberal Party nomination race that Mr. Dong won in September 2019.
According to the document, activities carried out by “individuals close to PRC Officials” were included.
The document mentioned irregularities that have not been definitively proven, such as using buses to transport international students to support Han Dong during the nomination process.
Furthermore, the document highlighted intelligence reports indicating that some students were given fake documents to vote in Don Valley North, Mr. Dong’s riding, despite not being residents there.
“The documents were provided by individuals linked to a known proxy agent,” stated the intelligence summary.
The summary also mentioned that the students voted under pressure from the Chinese consulate.
Additionally, it reported the involvement of a known proxy agent of PRC officials.
