Canada’s defence minister claims he had no idea soldiers from China’s People’s Liberation Army were at winter training in Ontario in 2018, said Blacklock’s Reporter..And Harjit Sajjan said he personally put a stop to the practice following the detention of two Canadian businessmen in Beijing..“I wasn’t aware it was actually taking place,” Sajjan testified at the Commons Special Committee on Canada-China Relations on Monday night..Five PLA soldiers from Communist China, including a major-general, were hosted as observers at Petawawa, Ont. in 2018..Canadian diplomats arranged to host a second visit by the Chinese military in 2019 even after the arrest of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, according to Access To Information records disclosed last December 9 by Rebel News..“Very clear direction was given that we were not to continue with any type of military involvement,” said Sajjan.. Sajjan says he personally stopped Chinese troops from training in CanadaDefence Minister Harjit Singh Sajjan .“Were you prepared to go ahead with this exercise?” asked Conservative MP James Bezan (Selkirk-Interlake, Man.)..“After the two Michaels were arrested I gave direction that we were not to have any further involvement when it comes to the training and that’s exactly what we have done,” replied Sajjan..“What were the reasons the Minister of Foreign Affairs wanted to keep that exercise going?” asked Bloc Québécois MP Stéphane Bergeron (Montarville, Que.)..“I wasn’t the Minister of Foreign Affairs. We never actually had any discussion about this,” said Sajjan..But records show Canadian military commanders cancelled the PLA visit at winter survival training at the request of the United States..“From what I can tell, the Department of National Defence is also lukewarm,” said one internal defence department email..The military then cancelled the invitation, citing security concerns..“The winter survival training will not take place,” said one internal email..“Future options have not been considered…We are happy to work with the Department of Foreign Affairs to tailor the appropriate messaging. The security concerns originated primarily from the United States.”.Ian Shugart, then-deputy foreign minister, in a draft letter complained the cancellation would upset China..“Any decision by Canada to reduce or cut ties should be carefully considered to avoid sending any unhelpful or unintended messages,” wrote Shugart..“Canada does not want to be the partner that is reducing normal bilateral relations. There is still a desire to maintain an ongoing relationship with China while recognizing and managing the risks.”.Sajjan last night said he was unaware of “whatever internal discussions that might have happened at the lower levels” over permitting the PLA to attend military exercises here..Dave Naylor is the News Editor of the Western Standard.,dnaylor@westernstandardonline.com,.Twitter.com/nobby7694
