CHINA TOPIX

05/07/2024 10:48:19 pm

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Trudeau forced to defend close association with Chinese businessmen

Prime Minister Trudeau.

(Photo : Getty Images) Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is facing a backlash for his close ties with China.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been forced to defend his party's fundraising methods in the House of Commons after press reports revealed that he attended a fundraiser with Chinese business tycoons, who later donated 1 million pounds ($1.2 million) to the Pierre Elliot Trudeau Foundation.

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"The Prime Minister was the star attraction at this exclusive cash for access event with Chinese billionaires," Tory MP Blaine Casking said during a questioning period in the House.

According to the media, Trudeau attended the fundraiser in May at the Toronto home of Chinese tycoon Zhang Bin, who is also a political advisor to the Chinese government. 

"We know the Prime Minister's love for the Chinese dictatorship, so what exactly did he promise the Chinese for their million dollar donation?" Calkins wondered.

In his defense, Trudeau said that meeting with business executives in Canada and abroad is an effort to sell the country as a viable investment hub.

He cited projects such as the Bell Helicopter, which has created an additional 1,000 jobs, and the GM research lab in Markham as some of the best examples of foreign investments.

"We know that drawing in global investment is a great way to grow the economy and create jobs," Prime Minister Trudeau said.

Also present at the fundraiser was Shnglin Xian who was waiting for his bank to be approved by Canadian federal regulators. His Wealth One Bank of Canada was given final approval a few months after the function, according to media reports.

When asked about this, Trudeau dismissed suggestions that anything inappropriate was done.

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