Canada expels Chinese diplomat over alleged intimidation plan

Ottawa announced Monday (May 8) the expulsion of a Chinese diplomat accused of having sought to intimidate a Canadian lawmaker critical of Beijing, plunging the two nations into a new diplomatic row.

Ottawa announced Monday (May 8) the expulsion of a Chinese diplomat accused of having sought to intimidate a Canadian lawmaker critical of Beijing, plunging the two nations into a new diplomatic row.

"We will not tolerate any form of foreign interference in our internal affairs," Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said in a statement declaring the diplomat "persona non grata."

"We remain firm in our resolve that defending our democracy is of the utmost importance," she said, adding that foreign diplomats in Canada "have been warned that if they engage in this type of behavior, they will be sent home."