By Staff Reuters
OTTAWA — China’s embassy in Ottawa warned Canada on Sunday to stop meddling in Hong Kong affairs a day after the country issued a joint statement with the European Union in defence of the “fundamental right of assembly” for Hong Kong citizens.
Hundreds of thousands of anti-government protesters rallied peacefully in Hong Kong on Sunday in the 11th week of what have been often violent demonstrations in the Asian financial hub. On the eve of Sunday’s rally, Canadian Foreign Minister Chyrstia Freeland and EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said: “Fundamental freedoms, including the right of peaceful assembly … must continue to be upheld.” The Canada-EU statement also expressed concerns about the escalation of violence and encouraged engagement by all sides to ease tensions.
The Chinese embassy said in a statement on its website that Canada should “immediately stop meddling in Hong Kong affairs and China’s internal affairs.” “Under the current situation, the Canadian side should be cautious on its words and deeds regarding the Hong Kong related issue,” the statement from an unnamed “spokesperson” for the Chinese embassy in Canada said. “The relevant protests and demonstrations in Hong Kong have already deteriorated and evolved into extreme violence. In face of such severe violence and offences, no government with a sense of responsibility would sit idly by,” the statement said.
Canada’s foreign ministry had no immediate response. Canada has about 300,000 citizens living in Hong Kong, the ministry has said.
Canada has been caught up in a diplomatic dispute with China since Canada’s detention of Huawei Technologies Co Ltd Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou on a U.S. warrant in December.
Shortly after Meng’s arrest in Vancouver, China detained two Canadian men, who have yet to be released. China has also blocked imports of some Canadian commodities.
© 2019 Reuters
Supporters on both sides of the Hong Kong democracy debate have squared off in Vancouver
Angela Jung and Ben Miljure, CTV News Vancouver
Published Saturday, August 17, 2019 7:14PM PDT
Dueling demonstrations over democracy in Hong Kong have caught the attention of the world. In Vancouver, supporters on both sides of the debate faced off on Broadway and Cambie Street Saturday afternoon. Hundreds have turned up to show solidarity with pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong. Vancouver police officers were on hand to maintain the peace at a dueling protest.
"I'm here today to show the protesters back in Hong Kong to ensure that their freedoms remain," said Matthew Ho. The protesters met with counter-demonstrators who showed their support with how the Chinese government is handling the situation. "A lot of people in Hong Kong have no idea what's going on and they start the riot for no reason," said Steven Li, a pro-China demonstrator. Vancouver police officers were on hand to ensure the demonstration was peaceful.
There were also scheduled marches in other Canadian cities, including Toronto, Calgary and Winnipeg. The Canadian demonstrations come as protesters in Hong Kong prepare to gather Sunday for their biggest anti-government rally yet. Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland issued a statement Saturday condemning violence in Hong Kong. Freeland said fundamental freedoms, including the right of peaceful assembly, must continue to be upheld. “For the last two months, large numbers of citizens have been exercising their fundamental right of assembly. However, there has recently been a rising number of unacceptable violent incidents, with risks of further violence and instability,” read the statement. “It is crucial that restraint be exercised, violence rejected and urgent steps taken to de-escalate the situation.” On Wednesday, the federal government issued a travel advisory, warning Canadians to "exercise a high degree of caution" in Hong Kong due to the large-scale demonstrations.
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