China expels Canadian diplomat from Shanghai

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) – In a tit-for-tat move, Beijing on Tuesday expelled a Canadian diplomat after Ottawa declared a Chinese diplomat persona non grata.

A Chinese Foreign Ministry statement said the Canadian consul in Shanghai, Jennifer Lynn Lalonde, was “asked to leave China no later than May 13.”

“China reserves the right to further react,” the statement said.

Beijing’s angry reaction came after Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly Monday declared a Chinese diplomat, Zhao Wei, as “persona non grata.”

​​​​​​​Zhao was reportedly expelled over allegations of a "plot" against a Canadian lawmaker.

“I have been clear: We will not tolerate any form of foreign interference in our internal affairs,” the minister said in a statement.

“Diplomats in Canada have been warned that if they engage in this type of behavior, they will be sent home,” she added.

However, the Chinese Embassy in Ottawa called the decision “blatant.”