Canola and pork industries are bracing for a repeat of China trade sanctions following the federal government’s expulsion of a Chinese diplomat in Ottawa who threatened the Hong-Kong based family of Conservative MP Michael Chong.
China hit both canola and pork with sanctions after Canada responded to an extradition request from the United States for Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou.
“It could be very bad news for us if China decides to target us again,” said Roger Chevraux, chair of the Canadian Canola Growers Association. “We just got over the last ban” in May of last year.
After Canada expelled Zhao Wei for interfering in Canadian politics, China expelled Canadian diplomat Jennifer Lynn Lalonde from Shanghai.
Chinese spokesman Wang Wenbin said
“We urge Canada to stop its provocations at once. If Canada decides to continue its wanton acts, China will react firmly and all consequences must be borne by Canada.”
China also retaliated with agriculture trade embargoes against Australia, listing 14 greivances including a ban on Hauwei from its 5G networks. Those embargoes ended after two years when a new government was elected.
