Canada in the Chinese News: May 2023

Canada in the Chinese News is the CIUA’s monthly report of major news stories about Canada in the Chinese media. It highlights which news stories from Canada are being picked up by the Chinese media, and how the Chinese media portrays Canada in its analysis.

The aim of this series is to inform Canadians on what Chinese journalists, academics, and policy elites are thinking about Canada, and how Chinese public perceptions of Canada are being formed and shaped. Due to the heavy state-influence on media in China, this analysis also provide insight into the official viewpoint of the Chinese government.

This will allow Canadians to gain a fuller and more informed perspective on the state of Canada-China relations.

 

Methods:

We rely on web data, focusing on articles from leading Chinese news sources including but not limited to: People’s Daily (人民日报), China Daily (中国日报), Global Times (环球), Economic Times (经济日报), Guangzhou Daily (广州日报), Caixin (财新传媒), and Xinhua News Agency (新华社).

We utilize the search term “Canada” (加拿大), and discard duplicate articles and articles that do not focus on Canada specifically.

We have provided a direct translation of the article title followed by a summary of content.

This report includes articles published between May 1-31, 2023.

 

News Stories

1. Global Times, May 3, 2023: “Answering Reader’s Questions: What is Canada’s Bill C-11?” (答读者问：加拿大C-11法案是什么？)

This article is part of a Global Times series answering reader’s questions about political issues. The article gives a brief overview of Bill C-11, which provides the Canadian Radio-Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) with power to supervise and promote Canadian content on streaming sites. It then discusses criticism that the bill has received by online platforms and other opponents. 

2. Global Times, May 4, 2023: “Canadian Man Charged with Selling Poison to Help Someone Commit Suicide Faces Two Counts of Abetting Death” (卖毒药助人自杀，加拿大一男子被起诉，面临两项教唆死亡罪指控)

This article discusses the case of Kenneth Law, a 57 -year-old Toronto man who sold poison over the internet to assist people with suicides, leading to at least seven deaths.

3. People’s Daily, May 5 2023: “Canada’s Indigenous Residential School Problem Continues to Simmer” (加拿大原住民寄宿学校问题持续发酵)

This People’s Daily article provides a historical background and overview of the human rights violations that occurred in Canada’s residential schools. It then discusses the findings of Canadian Truth and Reconciliation Commission, as well as recent discoveries of unmarked graves at residential school sites. It concludes with an analysis of the January 2023 CAD 2.8 billion settlement of a class action lawsuit between First Nations communities and the Canadian government over loss of indigenous language and culture in residential schools.

4. Caixin, May 5, 2023: “Bank of Canada Governor Says Global Banking Pressure Could Change National Interest Rate Path” (加拿大央行行长称全球银行业压力可能改变该国利率路径)

This Caixin article outlines comments made by Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem, who stated that financial issues caused by recent global banking stress could alter Canada’s interest rate path.

5. Global Times, May 5, 2023: “Canada Treats China Like This, and Washington Snickers Off to the Side” (加拿大这么对中国，华盛顿在一旁偷笑)

This article begins by arguing that accusations of Chinese interference in Canadian politics have been fabricated to turn Canadian public opinion against China. It goes on to argue that China is the real victim of foreign interference by the US and the West. The author states that Canada and China have historically had a strong relationship, however, the Canadian governments’ actions in response to US pressure have frayed those ties. The article concludes by suggesting that Canada should pursue a more independent foreign policy and build a mutually beneficial relationship with China.

6. Global Times: May 5, 2023: “Canadian MPs Call for Expelling Chinese Diplomat, Chinese Side Retorts: We Are Not Interested in Interfering in Canadian Domestic Politics” (加议员呼吁驱逐一名中国外交官，中方反驳：没有兴趣干涉加拿大内政)

This article discusses the growing calls within Canadian parliament to expel a Chinese diplomat accused of intimidating MP Michael Chong and his family. It quotes a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson who says that China has “never had any interest in interfering in Canadian domestic politics” (从来没有任何兴趣干涉加拿大的内政).

7. People’s Daily, May 9, 2023: “Foreign Ministry Spokesperson: We Urge the Canadian Side to Immediately Cease Unreasonable Provocations (外交部发言人：奉劝加拿大方面立即停止无理挑衅)

This statement was covered in all major Chinese media outlets. On May 9, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin stated that China condemns the Canadian government’s declaration of a Chinese diplomat as “persona non-grata” over alleged threats to MP Michael Chong and his family. The spokesperson stated that the accusations of Chinese interference were “complete nonsense”( 完全是无稽之谈) and advised Canada to “stop its unreasonable provocations” (停止无理挑衅). The statement also announced the reciprocal declaration of a Consul in Canada’s Shanghai Consulate as “persona non-grata.”

8. Xinhua, May 10, 2023: “Canada, Why is it Always You? (加拿大，怎么老是你？)

This opinion piece from Xinhua criticizes the Canadian government’s expulsion of a Chinese diplomat. The article cites the controversy surrounding the arrest of Meng Wanzhou, stating that it is further evidence of Canada acting as the United States’ “accomplice” (美方帮凶) in its suppression of China (美国打压中国). The article then accuses PM Trudeau of “catering to anti-China hard-liners” (迎合国内对华强硬势力). The article concludes by stating that Canada has been “backstabbed time and time again” by the US (一次次遭到美国背刺), and cautions PM Trudeau to “learn from his father” (特鲁多应该多向自己的老爸学习) and pursue a more independent China policy.  

9. Global Times, May 12, 2023: “Who’s Behind the Scenes Pushing Canada’s National-Level Anti-China Strategy?” (俄媒：谁是加拿大国家层面反华的幕后推手？)

The Global Times translated an article from Russian media, which argues that Canada has been critical of China for allegedly interfering in its elections while ignoring the influence that the United States wields in Canada’s political system. Interestingly, the translations differ somewhat. The original Russian article states that despite Canada’s history of residential schools, “Canadian politicians regularly point fingers at China, accusing it of genocide of Uyghurs.” The Global Times scrubs mention of the Uyghurs, translating it just as “Canadian politicians still regularly point fingers at China” (加拿大政治人物仍常对中国指手画脚).

10. People’s Daily, May 13, 2023: “Engaging in ‘Small Circle’ Group Politics Has No Future” (基于“小圈子”搞集团政治没有未来)

In this article, the People’s Daily criticizes the G7 as a “rich man’s club” (富人俱乐部), which promotes American hegemony by bullying smaller and poorer countries. The article criticizes the G7 for imposing its moral values on the world. It then singles out some G7 countries for criticism, including United States for its gun violence and inequality problems, Japan for its military rearmament, and Canada for its history of indigenous residential schools. It concludes by arguing that G7 countries should stop stoking division and join with the rest of the world to jointly address global challenges.  

11. Global Times, May 15, 2023: “Could there be More “Chinese Police Stations” Operating in Canada? Foreign Ministry Refutes!”
This Global Times article covers the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ response to Canadian Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino’s Comments that there may be more Chinese police stations operating in Canada. A Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman stated that the organizations were not police stations, but were helping Chinese citizens who were unable to return home during the pandemic with government services. The spokesperson also said that the service stations have been closed. He concludes by stating that the Canadian government should “stop slandering China” (停止污蔑抹黑中国).

12. Global Times, May 16, 20233: “Toronto Mayoral Race Heats Up, Candidates Include a Search and Rescue Dog (多伦多市长竞选火爆，候选者包括一只搜救犬)

This Global Times article discusses the Toronto mayoral election. It notes that Hong Kong-born Olivia Chow is in the lead following John Tory’s resignation as mayor due to an extramarital affair scandal. The article also pokes fun at two unusual mayoral candidates, a search and rescue dog and a 12^th grade high school student. 

13. Global Times: Canadian Government Plans to Change Criminal Law, Introduce Stricter Bail System (加拿大政府拟修改刑法 建立更严格的保释制度)

This Global Times article outlines the federal government’s proposed changes to the Canadian bail system, which would make it more difficult for people convicted of violent crimes to get bail.

14. Guangzhou Daily, May 18, 2023: “As Canadian Wildfires Spread, the Country Requests Foreign Aid for Firefighting” (加拿大山火蔓延，请求消防“外援”)
The Canadian wildfires received extensive coverage in the Chinese media. This article from the Guangzhou Daily discusses the Canadian government’s struggles to deal with wildfires in Alberta, BC, and Saskatchewan. It states that the government had put out requests to the US, Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand for firefighting assistance. 

15. People’s Daily, May 24, 2023: “Canadian Media: Apart from Canada, Everyone Understands the Necessity of Entering into Strategic Trade Agreements with China” (加媒：除了加拿大，人人都明白与中国签订贸易协定的战略是必要的)  

Several leading Chinese news sources printed translated versions of this article from the Financial Post, which argues that Canada needs more engagement with China in trade in order to advance Canadian interests.

16. Xinhua, May 25, 2023: Foreign Ministry Spokesperson: “It is Ironic that the ‘Five Eyes Alliance’ Jointly Released False Reports” (外交部发言人：“五眼联盟”联手发布虚假信息报告很讽刺)

This Xinhua article discusses the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s response to a report from Microsoft and the Five Eyes (the US, Australia, UK, New Zealand, and Canada) which stated that Chinese malware hit US systems on Guam. The Chinese Foreign Ministry dismissed the report, calling it a “collective disinformation campaign” (集体虚假信息行动) carried out by US companies and the Five Eyes.  

17. Xinhua, May 25, 2023: Canada and Saudi Arabia Resume Full Diplomatic Relations (加拿大和沙特恢复全面外交关系)

This short article from Xinhua announced the resumption of Canada-Saudi ties following five years of tense relations between the two countries. This story was also covered in numerous other major Chinese news outlets.  

18. People’s Daily, May 30, 2023: “Canada Holds Centennial Chinese Exclusion Act Activities to Combat Racism” (加拿大举行“排华法”百年反思活动反对种族歧视)

This People’s Daily article provides a brief background of Canada’s Chinese Exclusion Act. It also discusses events and speeches that were held across Canada on May 29^th to call for opposing racial discrimination against the Chinese Canadian community.  This story also received coverage in the China Daily and Xinhua.

19. China Daily, May 30, 2023: “Template for Chinese Food Overseas: The Secret to Xishaoye’s Success is Here” (中餐出海范本 西少爷成功的秘诀在这)

This China Daily article discusses a Chinese fast food chain, Xishaoye (Bingz in Canada), which has seen success in Toronto and is now looking to expand throughout Canada. The article discusses the founder, Meng Bing, who argues that Chinese companies should look to expand into foreign markets. The article also says that the restaurant’s success is based on quality standardization and use of technology, among other factors.

20. People’s Daily, May 31, 2023: Chinese Canadian and Chinese Americans Call for Unity to Defend Rights and Interests (美加亚裔呼吁团结捍卫权益)

This article in the People’s Daily discusses cultural and historic celebrations held in Canada and the US for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (US) and Asian Heritage Month (Canada). The article states that while Asians are increasingly gaining strength and status in the US and Canada, discrimination remains, and there is still progress to be made to defend Asian American and Asian Canadian rights and interests. 

 

Key Points:

 

1. Canada-China relations reached a low point in May, driven by allegations of Chinese interference in Canadian elections and a diplomatic spat that resulted in the expulsion of consular officials on both sides. This dip in bilateral relations was evident in Chinese news coverage of Canada throughout the month. Canada received constant negative coverage on a variety of issues, including its response to Chinese interference allegations, its participation in the G7 summit, allegations of Chinese police stations in Canada, and its wildfire response.
2. It is also worth noting that throughout the Chinese opinion pieces discussing Canada-China tensions, the perceived role of the United States in dictating Canada’s activities was consistently mentioned.
3. In April, much of the discussion of Canada in leading Chinese news sources was standard coverage of business and society, including EV manufacturing and the Toronto gold heist. In May, however, the coverage of Canada was far more political in nature, covering primarily Canada-China relations.
4. Despite all of the negative coverage, it is worth noting that the Chinese media was quick to point out the achievements of Chinese people (and people of Chinese descent) in Canada. This includes the success of Bingz fast food chain and Olivia Chow’s lead in the Toronto Mayoral election. News stories also discussed calls from within the Chinese community to end anti-Asian discrimination, including during events for Asian Heritage Month and the commemoration of the centennial of the Chinese Exclusion Act.
5. May also marks the second consecutive month that Chinese media outlets consistently discussed the human rights atrocities that occurred in Canadian residential schools.