Letter: Hoping for Change in Chinese Presence

Embassy, April 30th, 2008

Yes, indeed we will remember Lu Shumin in more ways than one (RE: "Embattled Chinese Ambassador Lu Shumin to Return Home," April 23).

For some of us, I'm sure Lu will be most remembered for his aggressive campaign in trying to derail the local New Tang Dynasty TV's application to broadcasting licence. Many thanks to Zhang Jiyan, the wife of a Chinese diplomat, for her courage and making public in March 2007 a smuggled document from the embassy confirming this plot with Lu's signature on it.

Since the persecution of Falun Gong started in China on April 25, 1999, it has become habitual for the Chinese consulates to interfere with the affairs of Falun Gong abroad. For example, letters are sent from embassies and consulates to foreign notables and dignitaries slandering Falun Gong events and urging non-attendance. Venues have been cancelled under pressure and sponsors have declined. There are many other such interferences, but I will not list them all.

According to Chen Yonglin, a former Chinese diplomat, Chinese consulates and embassies deal with Falun Gong by assigning at least one official in a mission to play a role in persecuting the Falun Gong and other repressed groups. Mr. Chen estimates that there are over 1,000 Chinese secret agents and informants in Canada.

I must be dreaming, but wouldn't it be great if the next Chinese ambassador would respect the rights of Chinese-Canadians and stop meddling in their affairs in this free country? It would be even greater if our government would remind them that trampling on the rights of Chinese-Canadians in the host country does not only go beyond their mandate, but it is diplomatically out of line.


Marie Beaulieu