Category: Special Topics

Chinese Canadians Distrust Elected Officials Due to Perceived Beijing Links, MPs Hear

Some members of the Chinese community have a lack of trust towards elected officials due to their perceived close links to Beijing, a Chinese democracy activist told MPs. “Despite being afraid to voice their concerns publicly, many community members distrust elected officials due to their perceived close relationships with PRC [People’s Republic of China] officials…


New Zealand Prime Minister Cancels Club Dinner Hosted by Pro-China Group

New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins canceled his plans to attend a dinner party with a pro-China group last week. According to the New Zealand online news publication Newsroom, the dinner was hosted by the New Zealand Chinese Business Club (NZCBC) and presented by a major Chinese liquor brand. The NZCBC was founded by former…


Sanctioned Lawmakers Condemn UK’s 1st Ministerial Visit to Hong Kong Since 2018

The British government has come under renewed criticism from lawmakers as a government minister is visiting Hong Kong this week for the first time since 2018. A number of parliamentarians who have been sanctioned by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) condemned the government for sending the minister for trade talks, with former Conservative Party leader Sir…


‘Calamitous Collaboration’: Lawmakers Condemn NIH Grant Renewal for Coronavirus Bat Study to Wuhan Lab-Linked EcoHealth

Lawmakers have condemned the U.S. National Institutes of Health’s (NIH’s) decision to re-activate a controversial federal grant to EcoHealth Alliance that was suspended three years ago over concerns of grant term violations. EcoHealth Alliance, the nonprofit organization that for years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic used NIH funds to conduct coronavirus research at the Wuhan Institute of…


‘Calamitous Collaboration’: Lawmakers Condemn NIH Grant Renewal for Bat Coronavirus Study to Wuhan Lab-Linked EcoHealth

Lawmakers have condemned the U.S. National Institutes of Health’s (NIH’s) decision to re-activate a controversial federal grant to EcoHealth Alliance that was suspended three years ago over concerns of grant term violations. EcoHealth Alliance, the nonprofit organization that for years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic used NIH funds to conduct coronavirus research at the Wuhan Institute of…


Indonesia President Says ASEAN Should View AUKUS Security Pact as Partner

Indonesia’s president said the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) should view the Australia-United Kingdom-United States (AUKUS) pact as a partner instead of a competitor to ensure peace in Asia. Indonesian President Joko Widodo, who holds the presidency of the 10-member regional bloc this year, said that ASEAN is “open and inclusive” by nature and…


Chinese Militia Boats Cross Indian, ASEAN Warships Exercising in South China Sea

Boats belonging to a Chinese maritime militia approached an area where navies of India and ASEAN countries were taking part in drills in the South China Sea, reports said on Monday. An independent expert in Vietnam said Beijing appeared to be using the militia to intimidate and disrupt the naval exercise. Beijing has not responded to Reuters queries about…


Canada Expels Chinese Diplomat Over Threat to MP Chong’s Family

The Chinese diplomat who has reportedly been involved in targeting Conservative MP Michael Chong and his family has been declared persona non grata by Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly. “I have been clear: we will not tolerate any form of foreign interference in our internal affairs. Diplomats in Canada have been warned that if they…


Canada Declares Chinese Diplomat ‘Persona Non Grata’ Over Threat to MP’s Family

Chinese diplomat Zhao Wei, who has reportedly been involved in targeting Conservative MP Michael Chong and threatening his family members in Hong Kong, has been declared persona non grata by Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly. “I have been clear: we will not tolerate any form of foreign interference in our internal affairs. Diplomats in Canada…


California Taiwanese Community Calls on US Government to Support Taiwan’s WHA Participation

MILPITAS, Calif.—Several Taiwanese organizations held a joint press conference Saturday to raise awareness of the Chinese regime’s continued effort to block Taiwan from attending the upcoming World Health Assembly (WHA). The 76th WHA will be held in Geneva, Switzerland from May 21–30. Once again, Taiwan did not receive an invitation. Li Hangwen, the main organizer…