Cold War mentality distorts Canadian diplomacy

Canadian ambassador to China Jennifer May was right when she said in an interview with CTV's Question Period on Sunday that China and Canada are not adversaries. But it is absurd for her to believe that China has interfered in Canadian elections.

She described the relations between the two countries as being "complex, multi-faceted and very important".

True, this bilateral relationship is important as bilateral trade and exchanges in a wide range of areas are of concern to the interests of the two peoples.

But how should the adjectives "complex, multi-faceted" be interpreted in the context of China's alleged interference in Canadian elections, China's expulsion of a Canadian diplomat and China's Taiwan question?

Bilateral relations would be much simpler should the Canadian government adopt an independent diplomatic policy of its own rather than just following in Washington's footsteps.

Just as a spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry said, China has always followed a non-interference foreign policy, and opposes any country interfering in the internal affairs of any other country. China has not interfered in Canada's elections and will never do so, the spokesperson said.

China adheres to independence, complete equality, mutual respect and noninterference in the internal affairs of other countries as the fundamental principles of its diplomacy.

It is their Cold War mentality that has propelled Canadian politicians to make an issue out of nothing. The allegation of Chinese interference in Canadian elections is nothing but an ideologically motivated smear.

With regard to the expulsion of diplomats, it is Canada that first provoked China by expelling China's diplomat. And the Taiwan question is China's internal affair, not Canada's. In whatever way the reunification of the island with the motherland is realized, it is the country's internal affair.

The ambassador is partly right when she said that the countries are partners in some areas, and competitors in others. Both countries could be partners in a much wider range of areas should Canadian politicians formulate diplomatic policies that focus on the interests of the peoples of both countries rather than blindly following the lead of those in Washington.

Preoccupied with ideological conflict, Canadian politicians fail to realize that the world is becoming increasingly pluralistic, and a multipolar foreign policy is the way to contribute to world peace and development. Their clinging to a Cold War mentality will only do a disservice to the concerted efforts of the international community in responding to common challenges facing humanity such as the environmental and ecological crises and poverty.

If they unburdened themselves of this mentality, Canadian politicians would find it much easier to view China objectively. That would enable Canada to develop good relations with China, benefiting both peoples.