What I found helps illustrate the efforts Beijing is making big and small to change the global narrative about its governance. thestar.com/news/canada/20… @TorontoStar #cdnpoli #china #bcpoli
In the eyes of some, wittingly or not, Richmond had been pulled into China's global influence machine. thestar.com/news/canada/20… @TorontoStar #cdnpoli #bcpoli
“China was ultimately, I think, successful in containing the (#COVID19) virus."
The outlet extensively promoted the remarks on its international social media channels.
Last year, the state outlet also highlighted Richmond's endorsement of #Huawei's technology.
Richmond told me Xinhua “sought him out”, and got his title wrong in at least one story. thestar.com/news/canada/20…
This story is about the tension between such goals, and the larger context. thestar.com/news/canada/20…
But “municipal politicians are often the prime target" for foreign influence, says former national security analyst @StephanieCarvin: thestar.com/news/canada/20…
There’s no indication of any improper actions on his part.
But his experiences underscore the issues at play for untold others. thestar.com/news/canada/20… @TorontoStar #cdnpoli
But he didn't know much about this organization. thestar.com/news/canada/20…
In 2017, Richmond attended an event.
He wasn't aware of political discussions, but an event summary supported Beijing’s controversial claims to the South China Sea, among other issues. thestar.com/news/canada/20…
ca-ca.ca/en/component/c…
Vancouver councillor @PtFry learned this the hard way.
“I’ve attended events organized by Chinese government officials and see how they later manipulate the messaging to go hard on a nationalistic framing" thestar.com/news/canada/20…
"It’s more naiveté on the part of Canadian politicians and not understanding the stakes involved." thestar.com/news/canada/20…
The scope of such activities can be very broad. Read their full statement here: thestar.com/news/canada/20…
But I found out that municipal politicians rarely receive training on foreign influence. thestar.com/news/canada/20… @TorontoStar #cdnpoli
“The briefings have not previously included municipalities, but would be extended to them on request." thestar.com/news/canada/20… #cdnpoli
Al Richmond says he would like to be better informed, but he worries all Chinese Canadian groups will become tarnished as politicians try to become more vigilant. thestar.com/news/canada/20…
More details here: thestar.com/news/canada/20…
What questions do you have and what issues do you think these examples raise in your mind? What do you think are potential solutions? thestar.com/news/canada/20…
In this climate, nuance can disappear.
People have accused me of being a stooge for the CCP, just because I have a Chinese name! thestar.com/news/canada/20…