Statement from Conservative Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs on the Potential Lifting of PRC Sanctions

Ottawa, ON – The Honourable Michael Chong, Conservative Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, released the following statement on the potential lifting of PRC sanctions:

“This week, it was reported that the People’s Republic of China (PRC) lifted the sanctions on MPs in the UK Parliament, which were imposed for raising concerns about human rights abuses in the PRC. Last year, Beijing similarly lifted the sanctions imposed on MEPs and a subcommittee of the European Parliament. In the case of the European Union, the lifting of sanctions was a precondition demanded by the European Union to begin talks with the PRC.

“Following on the Prime Minister’s new agreements with the PRC, I expect a similar outcome for Canada. If this outcome does not come to pass, it would be a demonstration of the Carney government’s inability to stand up for Canada’s national interest as the British and European governments have. 

“In the Prime Minister’s meeting with Chairman Zhao Leji, he ‘emphasized the importance of ongoing parliamentary exchanges.’ These exchanges cannot take place unless there is reciprocity between Canada and the PRC. That means there cannot be any sanctions on Canadian Members of Parliament or on Canadian parliamentary committees if any parliamentary exchanges are to take place.

“If sanctions on me and on the Subcommittee of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development are lifted, I expect the Government of Canada to ensure that sanctions placed on Chinese government officials and entities responsible for the genocide against the Uyghur people nonetheless remain in place. 

“The lifting of sanctions on me and the Subcommittee would also make it clear that the imposition of sanctions is not a legitimate tool to counter those voicing concerns about human rights and the rule of law.

“While Uyghurs continue to suffer human rights violations, Hong Kongers continue to see their civil liberties curtailed and Taiwan continues to be threatened, my colleagues and I will not change the way we raise these issues, whether or not the sanctions are lifted.”