http://news.yahoo.com/video/china-expert-spying-allegations-211700507.html
Stumbled on this TV interview I must have done sometime last summer.
Meanwhile the Garratts are still being held without charge.
Sunday, January 18, 2015
Saturday, January 17, 2015
Very bleak take on Xi Jinping's "Stalinist Purge" Published in New York Times by Murong Xuecun
"But in Mr. Xi’s former fiefdoms — before attaining national power he held office in Fujian and Zhejiang provinces — as best I can tell not one official above the deputy provincial level has been arrested for corruption. Recently the question was raised in a post on the Internet: Why have no 'big tigers' been found in Fujian and Zhejiang? The message was almost immediately deleted."
Xi’s Selective Punishment http://nyti.ms/1CfBHza Very bleak take on Xi Jinping's "Stalinist Purge"
Xi’s Selective Punishment http://nyti.ms/1CfBHza Very bleak take on Xi Jinping's "Stalinist Purge"
Monday, January 12, 2015
John Baird's Remarks on Garratts and Future of Canada-China Relations Reported in Chinese Language Media
Below is my rough translation of a report in the World Journal by 費詩明 dated Toronto January 10, 2015.
The Chinese original text can be found at http://www.worldjournal.com/view/full_van/26346492/article-%E7%99%BD%E8%AB%A4%E5%BE%B7-%E7%9B%BC%E4%B8%AD%E9%96%8B%E9%80%9A10%E5%B9%B4%E7%B0%BD%E8%AD%89?instance=bc_bull_left1
Baird: Expects that China Will Start to Offer 10 Year Visas
At an event in Markham Federal Ministry of Foreign affairs John Baird indicated that the arrangements for a visit of a senior Chinese government official to Canada are still being negotiated. At this time he has no information to announce about this. The federal government very much hopes that the Government of China will be able to start to offer a 10 year visa for Canadian citizens. This will convenience visits by family members between the two nations. And will also make bilateral exchanges easier.
Mr Baird indicated that the visit to China in November of last year was most successful. Especially that Toronto became the first renminbi exchange centre in North America. This has been a win-win for Canada. He said that senior officials of Canada and China are in constant contact. Last week cat an activity in Latin America he had a brief meeting with China's vice president Li Yuanchao. At that meeting the two sides deepened the development of relations.
With regard to the case of Canadian citizens Kevin Garratt and Julia Dawn Garratt accused of stealing Chinese secrets, they still remain in custody. Mr. Baird indicated that there has been no progress on this matter, but the Government of Canada will continue to pay close attention to it, and give assistance and apply pressure as required.
The Government of China has already offered a 10 year visa for citizens of the United States. Several local Chinese community organisations have signed a joint petition in the hope that the Government of Canada will put pressure on the Government of China to extend a 10 year visa to Canadian citizens as well. Baird indicated yesterday that the Federal Government also hopes that China, with the shortest possible delay, will extend a 10 year visa for Canadian citizens. This will not only be of benefit to visits by family members. It will also assist economic leaders in exchanging visits and it will simplify the complicated procedures involving going abroad to renew Chinese visas.
The Chinese original text can be found at http://www.worldjournal.com/view/full_van/26346492/article-%E7%99%BD%E8%AB%A4%E5%BE%B7-%E7%9B%BC%E4%B8%AD%E9%96%8B%E9%80%9A10%E5%B9%B4%E7%B0%BD%E8%AD%89?instance=bc_bull_left1
Baird: Expects that China Will Start to Offer 10 Year Visas
At an event in Markham Federal Ministry of Foreign affairs John Baird indicated that the arrangements for a visit of a senior Chinese government official to Canada are still being negotiated. At this time he has no information to announce about this. The federal government very much hopes that the Government of China will be able to start to offer a 10 year visa for Canadian citizens. This will convenience visits by family members between the two nations. And will also make bilateral exchanges easier.
Mr Baird indicated that the visit to China in November of last year was most successful. Especially that Toronto became the first renminbi exchange centre in North America. This has been a win-win for Canada. He said that senior officials of Canada and China are in constant contact. Last week cat an activity in Latin America he had a brief meeting with China's vice president Li Yuanchao. At that meeting the two sides deepened the development of relations.
With regard to the case of Canadian citizens Kevin Garratt and Julia Dawn Garratt accused of stealing Chinese secrets, they still remain in custody. Mr. Baird indicated that there has been no progress on this matter, but the Government of Canada will continue to pay close attention to it, and give assistance and apply pressure as required.
The Government of China has already offered a 10 year visa for citizens of the United States. Several local Chinese community organisations have signed a joint petition in the hope that the Government of Canada will put pressure on the Government of China to extend a 10 year visa to Canadian citizens as well. Baird indicated yesterday that the Federal Government also hopes that China, with the shortest possible delay, will extend a 10 year visa for Canadian citizens. This will not only be of benefit to visits by family members. It will also assist economic leaders in exchanging visits and it will simplify the complicated procedures involving going abroad to renew Chinese visas.
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Liberal Party China Policy - Trudeau unveils foreign policy team of ex-military officers, ambassadors
Trudeau unveils foreign policy team of ex-military officers, ambassadors - The Globe and Mail
"Another member of Mr. Trudeau’s council is Margaret Cornish, a Beijing-based senior adviser for the law firm Bennett Jones, who has argued against special restrictions on what Chinese state-owned firms can buy in Canada."
"Another member of Mr. Trudeau’s council is Margaret Cornish, a Beijing-based senior adviser for the law firm Bennett Jones, who has argued against special restrictions on what Chinese state-owned firms can buy in Canada."
Monday, December 15, 2014
Canada, China to sign deal on return of fugitives' seized assets
Canada, China to sign deal on return of fugitives' seized assets | Daily Mail Online
Both of these agreements are highly problematic for Canada. "The return of property related to people who would have fled to Canada and would have been involved in corrupt activities", as Ambassador Saint-Jacques puts it is a noble goal consistent with Canadian values. But the issue is when the Chinese government informs us that the bank accounts and property of a Chinese person in Canada are the proceeds of criminal activity in China. How can we fairly assess this claim before seizing the assets of the alleged criminal and handing them over to the Chinese agency that has demanded them?
In Canada we demand full due process of law for everyone in our country whether Canadian or Chinese. The main reason we do not have an extradition treaty with China is because we do not trust the evidentiary basis for claims of criminality by the PRC regime. That will be the case so long as China has no independent judiciary.
Presently the police and the judges must submit to the authority of "Political and Legal Committees" of the Chinese Communist Party. We therefore have concerns that these requests to Canada to strip the assets of Chinese people in Canada and repatriate them to China may be more informed by political factors related to factional struggle within the Chinese Communist Party than purely legal claims.
That being said hopefully the text of this agreement and of the customs agreement will both be made public soon so that they can be assessed independently and enter into the public debate over Canada's foreign relations with China.
This agreement following hard on the treaty Canada signed with China last month to exchange information on Customs investigations, suggest that Canada is making significant concessions to demands from the People's Republic of China without any assurance of reciprocal concessions on the part of the PRC in response to our concerns about market access and human rights. For example, we have not asked that China respond positively by resolving the consular case of Kevin and Julia Garratt prior to our announcing the above two agreements with China.
Both of these agreements are highly problematic for Canada. "The return of property related to people who would have fled to Canada and would have been involved in corrupt activities", as Ambassador Saint-Jacques puts it is a noble goal consistent with Canadian values. But the issue is when the Chinese government informs us that the bank accounts and property of a Chinese person in Canada are the proceeds of criminal activity in China. How can we fairly assess this claim before seizing the assets of the alleged criminal and handing them over to the Chinese agency that has demanded them?
In Canada we demand full due process of law for everyone in our country whether Canadian or Chinese. The main reason we do not have an extradition treaty with China is because we do not trust the evidentiary basis for claims of criminality by the PRC regime. That will be the case so long as China has no independent judiciary.
Presently the police and the judges must submit to the authority of "Political and Legal Committees" of the Chinese Communist Party. We therefore have concerns that these requests to Canada to strip the assets of Chinese people in Canada and repatriate them to China may be more informed by political factors related to factional struggle within the Chinese Communist Party than purely legal claims.
That being said hopefully the text of this agreement and of the customs agreement will both be made public soon so that they can be assessed independently and enter into the public debate over Canada's foreign relations with China.
Saturday, December 06, 2014
Arthur Porter trahi par sa femme, qui plaidera coupable | Vincent Larouche | Affaires criminelles
Arthur Porter trahi par sa femme, qui plaidera coupable | Vincent Larouche | Affaires criminelles
"Pamela Mattock Porter reconnaîtra du même coup que les millions de dollars versés à son mari par SNC-Lavalin étaient des produits de la criminalité."
"Pamela Mattock Porter reconnaîtra du même coup que les millions de dollars versés à son mari par SNC-Lavalin étaient des produits de la criminalité."
Thursday, December 04, 2014
Puzzling: Harper government quietly signed customs agreement with China - National | Globalnews.ca
EXCLUSIVE: Harper government quietly signed customs agreement with China - National | Globalnews.ca
“I’m hard-pressed to know why it is that Canada feels it would be in our interest to share information on sensitive matters of interdiction of illegal exports and other customs-related matters with the Chinese state, who would likely pass it on to exactly the people that we are hoping to prevent from doing this kind of illegal activity,” Burton said.
“I’m hard-pressed to know why it is that Canada feels it would be in our interest to share information on sensitive matters of interdiction of illegal exports and other customs-related matters with the Chinese state, who would likely pass it on to exactly the people that we are hoping to prevent from doing this kind of illegal activity,” Burton said.
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Nexen Continues Termination of Canadian Staff
"Power said 'standardization'is more important now that Nexen is part of a bigger organization and the new structure is 'well aligned with head office.'
CNOOC’s $15.1-billion acquisition of Nexen Inc. two years ago triggered a change in Canadian foreign investment rules to ban state-owned enterprises from gaining control of oilsands assets in the future. The company was said over the summer to be cutting costs and staff, despite assuring Ottawa it would keep all of its executives and employees.
CNOOC fired chief executive Kevin Reinhart last April and replaced him with Fang Zhi, a CNOOC executive of 30 years with an MBA from a British university, who served on the Nexen integration team."
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Hong Kong police get ready to clear Occupy protest sites
@ChinaRealTime
Hong Kong police get ready to clear Occupy protest sites http://on.wsj.com/1zjdOpA
So sadly predictable; exactly as I had thought would happen
Hong Kong police get ready to clear Occupy protest sites http://on.wsj.com/1zjdOpA
So sadly predictable; exactly as I had thought would happen
Monday, November 10, 2014
My Op-Ed "Why is Harper in China? The ethnic vote. And money" - The Globe and Mail
Why is Harper in China? The ethnic vote. And money - The Globe and Mail
"Chinese media reports of the Harper visit focused on boosting relations, increasing trade and “building mutual trust.” This seems to mean trusting Beijing’s assurances that Ottawa should have no cause for concern about allegations of pervasive serious human rights abuse in China, or about Chinese cyber espionage threatening Canadian security. Indeed there were many photographs of Mr. Harper and his accompanying cabinet ministers laughing and smiling and giving the impression that they thoroughly enjoyed interacting with leaders of the Chinese Communist Party.
"Chinese media reports of the Harper visit focused on boosting relations, increasing trade and “building mutual trust.” This seems to mean trusting Beijing’s assurances that Ottawa should have no cause for concern about allegations of pervasive serious human rights abuse in China, or about Chinese cyber espionage threatening Canadian security. Indeed there were many photographs of Mr. Harper and his accompanying cabinet ministers laughing and smiling and giving the impression that they thoroughly enjoyed interacting with leaders of the Chinese Communist Party.
But it is hard to imagine that Mr. Harper was genuinely building bonds of friendship at his lengthy Friday meeting with Xiao Baolong, the Communist Party Secretary of Zhejiang province. Mr. Xiao is currently currying favour with the leadership in Beijing by systematically suppressing Christianity. Hundreds of churches have been ordered to remove visible crosses from their buildings, and many churches have been completely razed on the premise of “building code violations” – including the heart-rending destruction of the magnificent, recently constructed Sanjiang Cathedral that could seat 3,000 worshippers."
President Obama's Comments on China at APEC Opening Speech
"We look to China to create a more level playing field on which foreign companies are treated fairly," Obama said.
"We look to China to become an innovative economy that values the protection of intellectual property rights and rejects cybertheft of trade secrets for commercial gain."
He also called on China "to stand up for human rights and freedom of the press."
(http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/stephen-harper-obama-talk-freer-trade-with-china-at-asia-pacific-conference-1.2829606?cmp=rss)
"We look to China to become an innovative economy that values the protection of intellectual property rights and rejects cybertheft of trade secrets for commercial gain."
He also called on China "to stand up for human rights and freedom of the press."
(http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/stephen-harper-obama-talk-freer-trade-with-china-at-asia-pacific-conference-1.2829606?cmp=rss)
Friday, November 07, 2014
My Interview with China Daily
This past couple of weeks, I have been interviewed by Mainland China "media" about Canada-China relations. None of them have been actually published in their ostensible outlets insofar as I am aware (CCTV, People's Daily, etc.). But it is intriguing to see what the Chinese regime is interested in knowing about.
Here is one done by e-mail yesterday with my responses:
The prime minister's meeting with Chinese President Xi - what do you think will be the main topics they will discuss?
There are broad range of topics of interest to both sides that will likely be on the agenda for the talks between the Prime Minister of Canada and the President of China. Certainly both will want to engage on trade and investment. Canada would like better access to the Chinese market to address the 3 to 1 trade imbalance between our countries. China would also like more assurances the Chinese state firms will have major investments in Canadian natural resources and infrastructure reviewed and approved approved by the Canadian government in a timely fashion.
The Canadian government has alleged the Chinese state entities have engaged in cyber espionage on Canadian government computers in 2011 and earlier this year. Canada, like the other APEC nations who have similar concerns, would like a more fulsome assurance from the President of China that there will be no further incidents of this nature.
There is also the consular case of Kevin and Julia Garratt who have been held without charge by the Chinese authorities for three months now. This matter is taken very seriously by Canadians so I'm sure the Prime Minister Harper will ask President Xi for an explanation of the nature of the evidence against them and will urge that they be given access to their lawyer and due process of law.
Will they discuss both countries response to Isis and Ebola?
These two matters will likely come up in multilateral discussions at APEC but I doubt that they will be major issues in the bilateral meeting between the Prime Minister of Canada and the President of China.
The ratification of FIPA (investment treaty) in September by Canada did this help to set a positive tone for the meeting.
I believe that this ratification in the face of considerable political opposition is expected to be answered by reciprocal gesture of goodwill on the part of the Government of China.
China doesn't like the restrictions on investment in Canada's energy sector by State-Owned firms - will there be any progress on this issue?
The Government of Canada can give an assurance to the Government of China that Canada welcomes Chinese state investment in our energy sector, but that Canada will not permit Chinese state firms to gain a majority controlling share in Canadian enterprises in our critical natural resources sector.
China has much more stringent restrictions on foreign investment in the natural resources sector in China and we do not anticipate the China will make any reciprocal concessions as the Chinese government sees this as a matter of national security.
Here is one done by e-mail yesterday with my responses:
The prime minister's meeting with Chinese President Xi - what do you think will be the main topics they will discuss?
There are broad range of topics of interest to both sides that will likely be on the agenda for the talks between the Prime Minister of Canada and the President of China. Certainly both will want to engage on trade and investment. Canada would like better access to the Chinese market to address the 3 to 1 trade imbalance between our countries. China would also like more assurances the Chinese state firms will have major investments in Canadian natural resources and infrastructure reviewed and approved approved by the Canadian government in a timely fashion.
The Canadian government has alleged the Chinese state entities have engaged in cyber espionage on Canadian government computers in 2011 and earlier this year. Canada, like the other APEC nations who have similar concerns, would like a more fulsome assurance from the President of China that there will be no further incidents of this nature.
There is also the consular case of Kevin and Julia Garratt who have been held without charge by the Chinese authorities for three months now. This matter is taken very seriously by Canadians so I'm sure the Prime Minister Harper will ask President Xi for an explanation of the nature of the evidence against them and will urge that they be given access to their lawyer and due process of law.
Will they discuss both countries response to Isis and Ebola?
These two matters will likely come up in multilateral discussions at APEC but I doubt that they will be major issues in the bilateral meeting between the Prime Minister of Canada and the President of China.
The ratification of FIPA (investment treaty) in September by Canada did this help to set a positive tone for the meeting.
I believe that this ratification in the face of considerable political opposition is expected to be answered by reciprocal gesture of goodwill on the part of the Government of China.
China doesn't like the restrictions on investment in Canada's energy sector by State-Owned firms - will there be any progress on this issue?
The Government of Canada can give an assurance to the Government of China that Canada welcomes Chinese state investment in our energy sector, but that Canada will not permit Chinese state firms to gain a majority controlling share in Canadian enterprises in our critical natural resources sector.
China has much more stringent restrictions on foreign investment in the natural resources sector in China and we do not anticipate the China will make any reciprocal concessions as the Chinese government sees this as a matter of national security.
Friday, October 31, 2014
PMO announces that PM to visit China November 5-10
PM to visit China
“As the world’s second-largest economy and Canada’s second-largest single-country trading partner, China represents tremendous opportunities for Canada. I look forward to meeting with government and business leaders to further strengthen bilateral relations and lay an even broader framework of agreements that will enable Canadian businesses to truly take advantage of China’s large, diverse and dynamic economy.” – Prime Minister Stephen Harper
“As the world’s second-largest economy and Canada’s second-largest single-country trading partner, China represents tremendous opportunities for Canada. I look forward to meeting with government and business leaders to further strengthen bilateral relations and lay an even broader framework of agreements that will enable Canadian businesses to truly take advantage of China’s large, diverse and dynamic economy.” – Prime Minister Stephen Harper
Puzzling reporting by China Daily that PM will be attending APEC after all
"A senior Chinese diplomat confirmed that Harper will be in Beijing to attend the November APEC leaders meeting.
The confirmation followed comments from Harper's office this week suggesting that he had canceled plans to attend the APEC meeting in the wake of terror attacks in Canada that claimed the lives of two soldiers.There was even speculation that Harper would not attend the APEC event after relations with China hit a rocky patch earlier this year.China's Ambassador to Canada Luo Zhaohui said at a reception at his residence on Wednesday that Harper will pay an official visit and attend the annual gathering of the 21 APEC member economies."
http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2014-10/31/content_18836146.htm
The confirmation followed comments from Harper's office this week suggesting that he had canceled plans to attend the APEC meeting in the wake of terror attacks in Canada that claimed the lives of two soldiers.There was even speculation that Harper would not attend the APEC event after relations with China hit a rocky patch earlier this year.China's Ambassador to Canada Luo Zhaohui said at a reception at his residence on Wednesday that Harper will pay an official visit and attend the annual gathering of the 21 APEC member economies."
http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2014-10/31/content_18836146.htm
Monday, October 27, 2014
Thursday, October 09, 2014
Saturday, October 04, 2014
My interview with Christine Birak on CBC News Network "Canada's Hong Kong response lacking, ex-envoy says"
My interview with Christine Birak on CBC News Network "Canada's Hong Kong response lacking, ex-envoy says" can be viewed here: http://bit.ly/1rLEU68
There is also a related report in the Globe and Mail: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/ottawas-tepid-response-to-hong-kong-protests-a-shift-in-policy/article20930429/
There is also a related report in the Globe and Mail: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/ottawas-tepid-response-to-hong-kong-protests-a-shift-in-policy/article20930429/
Wednesday, October 01, 2014
Video of my interview with Pat Bolland "The demand for democracy"
Video of my interview with Pat Bolland "The demand for democracy" : Prime time : SunNews Video Gallery - http://bit.ly/1nKUz7x broadcast on September 29, 2014
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
My Views on Hong Kong Protests Broadcast on CBC "The Current" This Morning
"Hong Kong demonstrators are angry and continue to demand free elections. New leader Xi Jinping believes in strong leadership and is determined to preserve China's political system. Protesters says it will take more than tear gas to back down. So will Beijing compromise or crack down?"
http://www.cbc.ca/thecurrent/episode/2014/09/30/hong-kong-pro-democracy-protests-demand-beijiing-to-reconsider-free-and-open-elections/
http://www.cbc.ca/thecurrent/episode/2014/09/30/hong-kong-pro-democracy-protests-demand-beijiing-to-reconsider-free-and-open-elections/
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
My interview on RCI "Leader may cancel China tour over couple’s arrest"
Leader may cancel China tour over couple’s arrest
This is a long radio interview with me, broadcast on Radio Canada International, that reflects my views on a number of aspects of Canada-China relations
There is also a version in Mandarin: http://www.rcinet.ca/zh/2014/09/15/24768/?-???????????????????/
This is a long radio interview with me, broadcast on Radio Canada International, that reflects my views on a number of aspects of Canada-China relations
There is also a version in Mandarin: http://www.rcinet.ca/zh/2014/09/15/24768/?-???????????????????/
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