'Respect Truth, Stop Peddling China-Related Lies': Beijing Hits Out At Canada

Beijing has responded to Canada's recent accusations of spreading disinformation and urged it to respect ''facts and truth'' and stop peddling "China-related lies".

Beijing: As the diplomatic tensions continue with India over allegations related to the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, China has called on Canada to uphold the principles of "facts and truth" and cease disseminating what it refers to as "China-related lies."

Chinese Foreign Ministry Responds To Canada

Addressing the media in Beijing, Mao Ning, the spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, expressed concern that such misinformation could further strain the relationship between the two nations. 

Canada Accuses China Of Spreading Disinformation

The Chinese response comes in the wake of accusations by Canada's Foreign Minister, Melanie Jolly, who suggested that an organization linked to China was responsible for spreading disinformation about Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, senior officials, and Members of Parliament through online comments and "deepfake" videos.

China Rubbishes Canada's Claims

Mao Ning vehemently denied these allegations, stating, "The so-called statement by Canada's foreign ministry misrepresents facts and is very misleading, which makes trumped-up charges against China." She went on to emphasize China's strong condemnation of the Canadian Foreign Minister's statement, calling it deeply regrettable.

Canada Lacks Evidence: China

Furthermore, Mao Ning pointed out that Canada has accused China of disseminating disinformation against Canadian politicians on numerous occasions but has not presented any concrete evidence to support these claims. "It is the Canadian side that has been producing and spreading disinformation. We urge the Canadian side to respect facts and truth, stop spreading China-related lies, and stop words and deeds that would poison the atmosphere of China-Canada relations and damage bilateral relations," she added.

Mao Ning accused Canada of fabricating falsehoods about China's actions in Xinjiang, Xizang, and Hong Kong to tarnish its reputation. She urged Canada to "respect facts and truth, stop spreading China-related lies, and cease actions that could harm China-Canada relations and bilateral cooperation."