Jonathan Manthorpe

Eye-opening. As I read this, I realized that my knowledge of world affairs and international politics was woefully inadequate. More people should educate themselves about these issues.

"Even among those who find it legitimate to question the activities of the CCP in Canada, the fear of being labelled racist can be silencing. The result is a general lack of rigour in addressing a problem that is beginning to undermine Canada's values and social structure." p. 260

"Ottawa would do well to listen more closely to public disquiet than to fantasies drawn out in vivid colour by the CCP's agents of influence or the romantic notion that the example of Canadian civic values will change China." p. 274… (meer)

Given the ongoing trial of Hauwei executive Meng Wanzhou and the detention of two Canadian citizens in China, this is a very timely book. The author provides an exploration of networks of the Chinese Communist Party in Canada -- networks often comprised of Chinese students or recent immigrants -- that attempt to influence Canadian policies. He also provides a history of China-Canada relations in order to situate recent events in a broader context. So, we get a good blend of topical and historical information. For example, I now better understand why Falun Gong is perceived as such a threat to the CCP; it is a manifestation of an inability to separate church and state -- any religion is seen as a competitor for loyalty and allegiance.

The book's main messages seem to be: 1) China is too big and too important on the world stage for Canada to ignore. 2) There is no real benefit to Canada from lecturing China on human rights or trying to convince them on the merits of western style democracy. 3) Canada has been naive in its dealings with China, which is evident in our housing market, our immigration system, and in money laundering crimes perpetrated here.

At times, I wondered if the analysis of China's attempts to influence Canada's thinking was sensationalized. Don't all countries try to influence others? Is the threat posed by China one of intent or degree? I think the one weakness in the analysis was describing the motivation of the CCP.

But a very interesting and important read overall. Certainly thought provoking.… (meer)