Chinese Ambassador to Canada Departs Amidst Continued Diplomatic Strain

The departure of Chinese Ambassador to Canada, Cong Peiwu, who has held the position since 2019, has been confirmed, according to a source familiar with the matter. His return to China coincided with a visit by a senior Canadian diplomat to China, although specific reasons for his departure were not immediately disclosed. Requests for comment from the Chinese embassy in Ottawa remained unanswered.

Earlier discussions between Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu and Canadian Deputy Foreign Minister David Morrison focused on bilateral relations and mutual concerns, as stated by China’s foreign ministry.

News of Cong’s unexpected departure was first reported by the Globe and Mail, noting its surprising nature within diplomatic circles. This development comes amidst strained relations between Ottawa and Beijing, notably sparked by the arrest of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou in 2018 on a U.S. warrant. Subsequently, Canadians Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig were detained by China, resulting in a prolonged diplomatic standoff.

The release of the Canadian detainees in 2021 coincided with the U.S. dropping its extradition request for Meng, yet tensions persist between China and Canada. Contentious issues include China’s national security law in Hong Kong, condemned by Canada, and allegations of Chinese interference in Canadian elections, a claim Beijing denies while Canadian authorities investigate.