Han Dong reportedly met with Chinese diplomat and suggested officials delay freeing two Canadians held by China
A Canadian lawmaker has resigned from the governing Liberal party following allegations that he secretly met with a Chinese diplomat and advised Beijing not to release two Canadian captives.
Han Dong announced in the House of Commons late on Wednesday that he would sit as an independent. Global News reported that he met with Han Tao, China’s consul-general in Toronto in February 2021 and suggested officials in Beijing delay freeing Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, two Canadians being held by China at the time. He is also alleged to have suggested releasing the two men would benefit the rival Conservative party.
The two men spent nearly three years in Chinese jail cells and faced dubious espionage charges, widely seen as retaliation for Canada’s arrest of the senior Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou as a part of an American extradition request.
Dong confirmed to Global News that he spoke with Han Tao, but strongly denied the allegations had he advocated for a delay in release of the two jailed Canadians.
“Let me be clear. What has been reported is false, and I will defend myself against these absolutely untrue claims,” he said in parliament. “But let me assure you as a parliamentarian and as a person, I have never and I will never, and would never advocate or support the violation of the basic human rights of any Canadian, of anyone, anywhere, period.”
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