China urged Canada on Tuesday to stop its ill-founded and erroneous action, which has seriously harmed the lawful rights and interests of Chinese diplomatic and consular personnel, state-run Xinhua News Agency reported.

“Despite China’s serious demarches, Canada has declared a Chinese diplomat “persona non grata” based on the false accusation of Chinese interference in Canada’s internal affairs,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a news briefing when asked to comment on China declaring a consul at Canada’s Consulate General in Shanghai persona non grata and asking her to leave China no later than May 13.

“We strongly condemn and firmly oppose this. China has lodged serious demarches and strong protests to Canada,” Wang said.

He pointed out that China never interferes in other countries’ internal affairs, adding that the interference claims about China are unfounded.

Wang emphasized that the Chinese diplomatic and consular missions and diplomats and consular personnel in Canada abide by relevant international conventions and Canada’s laws and regulations.

“The Canadian government’s ill-founded and erroneous action seriously harms the lawful rights and interests of Chinese diplomatic and consular personnel, Wang said.

“We urge Canada to stop its provocation at once. If Canada decides to continue its wanton act, China will react firmly and all consequences arising therefrom must be borne by Canada,” the spokesman added.

Source: Kuwait News Agency