A Liberal candidate seeking re-election in a key Greater Toronto Area district has apologized after suggesting that individuals should try to collect a bounty placed by China on a local Conservative candidate.
Paul Chiang – the Liberal representative for Markham-Unionville – made comments during a January news conference with local Chinese-language media, recommending that people pursue the bounty on Joe Tay, who is running for the Conservatives in Don Valley North.
“To everyone here, you can claim the one-million-dollar bounty if you bring him to Toronto’s Chinese consulate,” Chiang said, as reported by the Toronto Association for Democracy in China (TADC).
Chiang hasn’t denied his remarks and offered an apology via social media on Friday.
“The comments I made were deplorable and a complete lapse of judgment on the seriousness of the matter,” Chiang, a former police officer, wrote on X.
“I sincerely apologize and deeply regret my comments.”
In December, Hong Kong police announced a bounty and arrest warrant for Tay – valued at $1 million HK, approximately $184,000 – along with other advocates for democracy in China. Tay is a co-founder of Canada-based NGO Hong Konger Station.
These warrants are largely perceived as efforts by the Hong Kong government to target outspoken critics living abroad. At that time, Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly condemned these bounties.
“This attempt by Hong Kong authorities to conduct transnational repression abroad, including by issuing threats, intimidation or coercion against Canadians or those in Canada, will not be tolerated,” she stated back in December.
Cheuk Kwan, co-chair of the TADC, described Chiang’s statements as “shocking.”
“Mr. Chiang openly encouraged people to assist in China’s interference and transnational repression,” Kwan said in a statement. “Rather than protecting Canadians, he betrayed them and jeopardized their safety.”
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Conservatives Demand Action Against Chiang
Tay couldn’t be reached for comment. However, he shared a repost from fellow Conservative Michael Chong on social media who labeled Chiang’s comments “outrageous.” “This expression of support for the [Chinese government’s] illegal and unjust bounty on a Canadian citizen is disturbing, particularly to the countless Canadians of Chinese descent who have been targeted and harassed by the communist regime,” Chong wrote on X. Chong urged Liberals to withdraw Chiang’s candidacy. In response to inquiries from nearly 24 hours later on Saturday evening, a spokesperson from the Liberal campaign stated: “Paul Chiang recognized that he made a significant lapse in judgment. He apologized and has been clear that he will stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Hong Kong as they fight to safeguard their human rights and freedoms.”Source link
