MP Han Dong resigned from the Liberal caucus effective immediately on Wednesday night amid a bombshell allegation that he asked Chinese diplomats to hold off from releasing the Canadian Michaels from prison in 2021.
This comes just hours after yet another alleged intelligence leak from Global News that, in 2021, Dong advised senior Chinese diplomats to hold off from freeing the two Canadian Michaels who were jailed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
At the time, Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor were imprisoned in China for more than two years in what was presumed retribution from the CCP after Canada detained the Hauwei executive, Meng Wanzhou, at the request of the US government.
Global News reports that, according to an anonymous Canadian Intelligence leaker, Dong spoke with China’s consul general in Toronto, Han Tao, advising him that the Conservative Party of Canada would benefit if they released the two Michaels. Instead, Dong suggested Beijing “show some progress” on the matter.
“I rise on a point of order,” Dong said in the House of Commons on Wednesday night.
“I have informed the Prime Minister and the leadership of the Liberal Party caucus that I will be sitting as an independent at the conclusion of these remarks.”
“Mr. Speaker, I am in your hands as to what happens next.”
Dong went on to deny the allegations from Global News that broke just hours earlier.
“Let me be clear,” Dong continued in the House of Commons.
“What has been reported is false and I will defend myself against these absolutely false claims.”
However, Dong admitted to Global that he spoke with the Chinese consul general in Toronto, but insisted that the allegations are false.
The Prime Minster’s Office reports having no knowledge of the alleged conversation between Dong and China’s consul general — and that Dong was never used as a “back channel.”
This report from Global on Wednesday comes just one day after the Don Valley North MP Dong denied all accusations of wrongdoing against him. Last month, Global News alleged that the CCP mobilized Chinese international students to campaign for Liberal candidates including Dong.
The Counter Signal reached out to Dong’s office for comment but did not hear back before publication. This story will be updated when he responds.
