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Controversy Surrounds Liberal Candidate Peter Yuen’s Ties to China’s Consulate

Fresh concerns have emerged regarding the connections of Peter Yuen, a Liberal candidate campaigning in Markham-Unionville, with the Chinese Consulate in Toronto. This controversy includes his presentation of an appreciation award to a consul-general and an incident where he seemingly saluted the Communist flag during a celebration of the People’s Republic of China.

In 2016, Yuen, who at the time served as a superintendent for the Toronto Police Service (TPS), participated in a ceremony at Queen’s Park to commemorate the 67th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China. He attended alongside several uniformed TPS officers and then-Ontario Liberal Premier Kathleen Wynne. A photograph from the event, later shared on the People’s Republic of China Toronto Consulate’s website, shows Yuen appearing to salute as the Chinese flag was raised outside the legislature.

Global News unearthed additional context from two years prior, featuring a photo of Yuen at an occasion inside the Chinese consulate where he presented a plaque to outgoing consul Fang Li, thanking him for his support and friendship. This event included seven other TPS officers, whose involvement was not clarified.

When questioned by Global News regarding his actions at these events, Yuen, who resigned from the TPS as a deputy commissioner in 2022, provided only a general statement. He expressed pride in his Hong Kong heritage while emphasizing his long-standing Canadian citizenship, highlighting his dedication to building a strong Canada. He described attendance at such events as common practice among institutions aimed at fostering international relations.

Furthermore, Yuen’s participation in a 2015 trip to Beijing, where he attended a Chinese military parade, was also spotlighted by the National Post. He stated this trip received approval from Toronto police as part of efforts to acknowledge Canada’s contributions during the Second World War.

Reports, including one from NBC, noted the significant display of military prowess during the parade, which came amid a backdrop of a major stock market crash in China. The coverage noted that many Western leaders chose to boycott the event, with Xi Jinping, the Chinese leader, observing alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Concerns About Political Interference

Yuen’s recent candidacy followed the resignation of incumbent Liberal MP Paul Chiang, who stepped down after contentious remarks suggesting Canadians report political opponents to the PRC Consulate. The Markham-Unionville riding, home to a substantial Chinese-Canadian community, has been increasingly scrutinized for allegations of foreign influence, including the presence of an overseas Chinese secret police station that was recently shut down by the RCMP.

Additionally, accounts have surfaced indicating Yuen’s brief role on the advisory board of a Toronto high school catering to overseas Chinese students who aspire to enter Canadian and U.S. universities. The Hogue Commission of Inquiry reported irregularities linked to this institution, suggesting some students were transported to support Han Dong’s Liberal nomination campaign in 2019.

Human rights advocacy groups have criticized the regime in China, raising alarms about the systemic issues within its justice system and condemning widespread torture, as detailed in reports by Amnesty International during the years of Yuen’s involvement at these events.

Local Responses and Perspectives

Opinions on Yuen’s interactions with the Chinese Consulate have been mixed. Cheuk Kwan, co-chairman of the Toronto Association for Democracy in China, expressed significant concern about Yuen’s engagement in such events. Kwan emphasized that celebrating a foreign consul-general should ideally fall within the purview of federal officials, arguing that local police should not be involved with a government accused of numerous human rights violations.

According to Kwan, the significance of Yuen’s actions extends beyond mere protocol; it reflects broader concerns about the increasing influence of the Chinese government in Canadian affairs. He urged local law enforcement to avoid collaboration with representatives of what he termed a repressive regime.

In contrast, former CSIS officer Dan Stanton indicated that the ceremonies themselves may lack sinister undertones, suggesting that the interactions could be seen as a standard diplomatic acknowledgment rather than an indication of deeper issues. He explained that many attendees might share familial ties to Hong Kong and that the events may resonate positively within Chinese media.

Nevertheless, Kwan reiterated the need for clarity about the context and funding behind Yuen’s travels, especially to events tied to military displays. The ongoing debates over Yuen’s affiliations and the broader implications for Canadian politics reflect the complex and often contentious nature of Sino-Canadian relations.

Source
globalnews.ca