Former Liberal MP Han Dong (Don Valley North, ON) admitted in court documents that he had engaged in discussions over the phone with Communist Chinese diplomats, including Beijing’s Ambassador to Canada, on at least twelve phone calls. Dong justified these actions as “common practice” for any MP.. china-flag .“Defamatory broadcasts suggest Dong had a nefarious and improper relationship with Chinese diplomats,” Dong’s lawyer wrote in a libel claim in Ontario Superior Court..“This is untrue.”.Dong is suing Global News for $15 million..READ MORE Former Liberal MP serves Global News with libel notice.“It is common practice for MPs to speak with diplomats as part of their work, particularly if their constituents require access to services provided by these diplomats,” said the claim..However, the MP acknowledged several calls had nothing to do with travel visas or other constituency matters..According to Blacklock’s Reporter, an undisclosed number involved Dong’s work as co-chair of the Canada-China Legislative Association wrote his lawyer..“These conversations were recognized methods of diplomatic communication,” said the claim..“From time to time, Dong’s office would provide notes from these calls to the department of Foreign Affairs.”.The department did not vet other calls..READ MORE DONG DID NO WRONG: No ‘actionable evidence’ former Liberal MP conspired with Chinese Communist agent.The MP said he held four separate conversations with the Chinese Ambassador or China’s Consul in Toronto concerning matters unrelated to trade, tourism or his Legislative Association work, specifically the detention of Canadian business consultants Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig in Beijing..“Dong’s relationship with the Chinese Ambassador and the Consul General are professional,” wrote his lawyer..“They are not close friends. To the best of Dong’s knowledge, he had phone conversations with the Consul General five times and the Ambassador seven times between 2020 and 2022.”.Dong’s lawyers did not respond to questions..The MP quit the Liberal caucus on March 22 following a Global News report of his conversations with Chinese diplomats..READ MORE Liberal MP resigns over alleged contact with Chinese Communist agents.“My family came to Canada for freedom,” said Dong, formerly of Shanghai..“I have had the privilege of being elected to this House and I believe I have served honourably and pledge to continue to serve honourably and fulfill my oath of office.”.“To my family and in particular to my parents who brought us here to Canada, to my wife Sophie and my kids, I love you,” said Dong..“I thank you for all the support and love you give me. The truth will protect us. Our honour and our family will get through this together. Sorry.”.Global News on Feb. 24 alleged Dong was a “witting affiliate in China’s interference networks” who had been under surveillance by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service since 2019.
Former Liberal MP Han Dong (Don Valley North, ON) admitted in court documents that he had engaged in discussions over the phone with Communist Chinese diplomats, including Beijing’s Ambassador to Canada, on at least twelve phone calls. Dong justified these actions as “common practice” for any MP.. china-flag .“Defamatory broadcasts suggest Dong had a nefarious and improper relationship with Chinese diplomats,” Dong’s lawyer wrote in a libel claim in Ontario Superior Court..“This is untrue.”.Dong is suing Global News for $15 million..READ MORE Former Liberal MP serves Global News with libel notice.“It is common practice for MPs to speak with diplomats as part of their work, particularly if their constituents require access to services provided by these diplomats,” said the claim..However, the MP acknowledged several calls had nothing to do with travel visas or other constituency matters..According to Blacklock’s Reporter, an undisclosed number involved Dong’s work as co-chair of the Canada-China Legislative Association wrote his lawyer..“These conversations were recognized methods of diplomatic communication,” said the claim..“From time to time, Dong’s office would provide notes from these calls to the department of Foreign Affairs.”.The department did not vet other calls..READ MORE DONG DID NO WRONG: No ‘actionable evidence’ former Liberal MP conspired with Chinese Communist agent.The MP said he held four separate conversations with the Chinese Ambassador or China’s Consul in Toronto concerning matters unrelated to trade, tourism or his Legislative Association work, specifically the detention of Canadian business consultants Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig in Beijing..“Dong’s relationship with the Chinese Ambassador and the Consul General are professional,” wrote his lawyer..“They are not close friends. To the best of Dong’s knowledge, he had phone conversations with the Consul General five times and the Ambassador seven times between 2020 and 2022.”.Dong’s lawyers did not respond to questions..The MP quit the Liberal caucus on March 22 following a Global News report of his conversations with Chinese diplomats..READ MORE Liberal MP resigns over alleged contact with Chinese Communist agents.“My family came to Canada for freedom,” said Dong, formerly of Shanghai..“I have had the privilege of being elected to this House and I believe I have served honourably and pledge to continue to serve honourably and fulfill my oath of office.”.“To my family and in particular to my parents who brought us here to Canada, to my wife Sophie and my kids, I love you,” said Dong..“I thank you for all the support and love you give me. The truth will protect us. Our honour and our family will get through this together. Sorry.”.Global News on Feb. 24 alleged Dong was a “witting affiliate in China’s interference networks” who had been under surveillance by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service since 2019.
