‘NOT TRUE’ THAT CHINA IS USING CANADA AS GATEWAY TO U.S. FOR CHINESE GOODS, SAYS CONSUL GENERAL WEIDONG, WHO CALLS TRUMP’S CLAIMS ‘POLITICAL MANIPULATION’
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com
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GRAVENHURST — Donald Trump’s concerns about Canada being used a gateway for Chinese goods into the United States “are not true,” says China’s Consul General in Toronto.
Speaking Saturday at the 50th anniversary of the Bethune Memorial House, Luo Weidong said: “This kind of a narrative is a kind of a political manipulation by the politicians.”
And that despite recent tense diplomatic relations between Canada and China: “Even in those very difficult times, the communications and exchanges between the peoples are still booming” today.
In a rare wide-ranging EXCLUSIVE interview with MuskokaTODAY.com, during a break in proceedings, he said the joint celebration between his consulate and Bethune House was “a very good day for Bethune. And a very good day for China and Canada.”
He began by apologizing, saying “I’m sorry, I can’t speak English.”
Through his interpreter he said: “Today is a special occasion, because it’s the 50th anniversary of the Memorial Home and big moment for the Chinese people as well.
“The documentary we just saw did an excellent job memorializing all the stories of Dr. Bethune. His internationalism and spirit is worth the people all over the world to remember.”
Weidong said: “In the past Chairman Mao called on all the Chinese people to learn from the spirit of Dr. Norman Bethune. Two things in particular that people learned from him: One is his passion for his job, his work. The second is his passion for the people.
“The year Dr. Bethune died, Chairman Mao wrote a memoir dedicated to Dr. Bethune. And still today it is studied by the Chinese people.”
While Weidong “never went to where Bethune passed away, Hebei province is the hometown of consul general Luo,” said the interpreter.
And the consul general believes Bethune House remains a catalyst for continued improved Sino-Canadian relations and cooperation following past strong diplomatic tensions that have melted in to pragmatic partnerships.
Indeed positively Prime Minister Mark Carney met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing in January to forge a new strategic partnership and reset relations. It marked the first official visit to China by a Canadian prime minister in nearly a decade.
The consul general, who is in the third year of a typically four-year posting, was asked in light if the Canadian National Historic Site’s now half-century of history of welcoming more than 600,000 mostly Chinese visitors to Gravenhurst enables enhanced longer-term relations between the culturally friendly allies.
Said Weidong: “Over the past 50 years there have been ups and downs in the bilateral relations. We had our golden 10 years and also some less good moments.
“But throughout this, of course, we’ve always believed that the seeds produced by Dr. Bethune have led us to continue our friendship. To grow our friendship. To bear fruit. And to blossom.”
He added: “Although, a couple of years ago, there was a difficult time between the bilateral relations” — when China detained Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor and Canada’s police arrested Meng Wanzhou in a tense Huawei dispute — Weidong said “the Chinese people had already had very deep, friendly emotions toward Canada and the Canadian people.
“And even in those very difficult times, the communications and exchanges between the peoples are still booming.”
Weidong was asked then what now can Canada do to improve relations? Can they buy import more EV cars?
“So there’s a lot of things we can do,” he said “because China is now already the second-largest economy in the world. And our economies are highly complementary. Not only in the EVs industry, but also in other industries. And China is always as committed to the principle of a high quality opening of them. We are ready to work with any country in any field if they have the willingness to.
“For example, in manufacturing, China currently is the world’s factory, the strongest manufacturer of power in the world. Even stronger than the U.S. And in the service industry we have also made a lot of progress.
“Canada also has its strength in science and technology, innovation and education. And currently they are 100,000 Chinese students studying here in Canada.
“And also in the health sector, there are lots of cooperations as well, he said.
“You also have a place,” Weidong added a little in English.
“I think as long as we steer steadily in the right direction, the friendship between the two countries will continue to grow,” his interpreter continued.
The consul general also responded to a question about American concerns over trade and Trump’s allegations it is using Canada as a gateway for Chinese goods into U.S. markets. Is that true?
Weidong replied emphatically: “This kind of a narrative is a kind of a political manipulation by the politicians. They are not true. I believe that our partnership and can continue between the two countries. People will see that that this not the case.”
He said “economic cooperation has its own patterns and we always stick to the principles of equality and a mutually beneficial friendship.”
See link to Saturday’s ceremony story, photos below:
‘BETHUNES OF OUR TIME’ CARRY ON ‘SPIRIT’ OF GREAT DOCTOR’S ‘INSPIRING’ LIFE STORY TOLD FOR 50 YEARS AT HIS BIRTHPLACE https://muskokatoday.com/2026/09/bethunes-of-our-time-carry-on-spirit-of-great-doctors-inspiring-life-story-told-for-50-years-at-his-birthplace/
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