China expels Canadian consular official in Shanghai.

A statement posted on the website of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that, in response to Canada's "unreasonable actions," China decided to take reciprocal countermeasures, declaring consular officer Jennifer Lalonde of the Canadian Consulate General in Shanghai a "persona non grata" and demanding that she leave China before May 13.

Jennifer Lalonde (standing) participates in a community event in Shanghai in 2021. Photo: Canadian Embassy in China.

Beijing's move comes after the Canadian government announced that a diplomat at the Chinese Consulate General in Toronto was a "persona non grata." China "strongly condemned and resolutely protested" this action and lodged a stern protest with Canada.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry statement also said that Beijing reserves the right to issue further responses.

Earlier, on May 8, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly announced the expulsion of a Chinese diplomat accused of threatening Canadian MP Michael Chong and his family.

A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Canada immediately issued a statement, calling the Canadian government's expulsion of its consular official based on so-called "China's interference in Canada's internal affairs" "fabrications" and "baseless claims," ​​and "a deliberate attempt to undermine China-Canada relations." The statement also warned that "resolute countermeasures will be taken, and Canada will bear all resulting consequences."