Despite the fact that the Middle East is blowing up, Canada maintains its own picayune share of international conflagrations. Asian power operating on Canadian soil seems to be the flavour of the week. The teacup tussle with India has been pretty well wiped out of the news for the moment, but the more serious problem with China continues to smolder, because its source is deeper in our government.
Digging Down
It seems the Canadian government has, over the past twenty years or more, been quite happy to let Chinese operatives pursue their objectives among the Chinese diaspora here.
A Two-Edged Sword
The problem is that there are two distinct types of Chinese nationals being hunted in Canada. Some of them are corrupt officials or crime bosses who have made their pile in the traditional way (bribery, corruption and general crime) and now want to retire to a safer spot. Needless to say, bringing their boatload of cash with them. If they really are criminals, Canada should want them caught and returned to the country of their crime.
The others are legitimate refugees from authoritarian Chinese government persecution. We want to keep these here in safety.
Of course, the Chinese government doesn’t distinguish between the two groups. What needs explaining is why the Canadian government doesn’t seem to see any difference, either.
Follow the money.
What we have seen recently is that the Canadian business establishment is also remarkably unbiased. They don’t draw a line between legitimate businessmen, government business reps, and criminals. They just want to make money. And when we have a business-friendly government, our leaders are happy to encourage this.
The Myth Wears Thin
Doing business with authoritarian regimes does not result in those countries becoming more democratic. The objectives of an authoritarian regime and those of an international business conglomerate are too similar. Instead of us reforming them, they are corrupting us.
The Result
The Harper government allowed official Chinese agents to come to Canada and interview dual citizens, trying to persuade them to return home to face the music. The lure being that they could plead the Chinese version of nolo contendere, get a slap on the wrist, and return to their hard-earned retirements in Canada.
In some cases, of course, they might disappear and never be heard from again. But that must mean they were terribly guilty, so they deserved it, right?
All at the behest of Canadian business interests that wanted to make piles of money dealing with China.
But, Oh, Goodness!
We are astounded to discover that that same network of semi-official agents has been freelancing in Canada’s elections. We don’t understand why no one wants to curb the huge money-laundering business in Canada. We can’t figure out why our housing prices are so high.
The Bottom Line
We should not be surprised that the Chinese are treating us like a Third World country, directing our politics and our economy for their own benefit. That is the pattern of Colonialism: politics as a method for business interests to manipulate the country to make a profit. And Canadian business is complicit.
This just demonstrates how the citizens of Canada (and of the world) are sacrificing their rights and freedoms to the likes of Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. And with real problems like climate change and world poverty breathing down our necks, we can’t afford those luxuries.