Iran Press/America: Canada on Monday expelled Chinese diplomat Zhao Wei, who was accused of being involved in a plot to intimidate Conservative lawmaker Michael Chong and his relatives in Hong Kong.
Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly wrote in a statement that Canada has declared the Toronto-based diplomat as "persona non grata."
The decision has been taken after careful consideration of all factors, and the government remains vigilant in its resolve that defending Canada's democracy is of the utmost importance, said Joly.
The Canadian government last week summoned China's ambassador over allegations that he was part of a plot to threaten Chong, who has been critical of Beijing, and his family.
China sanctioned Chong in 2021 after he led a motion in Canada’s parliament condemning Beijing’s treatment of its Uyghur Muslim minority as a genocide – a charge the Chinese government has firmly rejected.
The Chinese embassy in Ottawa has been asked to comment on Zhao's expulsion.
China has previously insisted it does not interfere in other countries' internal affairs, but says it will respond to what it calls provocations.
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