Canada has found itself in the middle of a political storm as its government stresses the importance of building relations with China. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has held talks with President Xi and strives to create trade deals and economic partnerships with the country. The country is also dealing with a unique situation in the province of Ontario. Ontario is home to the largest Asian population in Canada and has a diverse immigrant community made up of Chinese, Japanese, Korean and other Asian nationalities. As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other leading politicians continue to push close relations with Beijing, many are wondering if Canada is becoming a mouthpiece for China’s grievances.
No other issue serves as the perfect example of this anxiety than the topic of the Nanking Massacre. The Nanking Massacre is a highly debated historical event. Chinese recollection of the event has been criticized by many and even completely denied by some.
The Nanking Massacre occurred at the end of the Second Sino-Japanese War in late 1937. The Old Japanese Army was celebrating a bloody victory in Shanghai and decided to continue their invasion to the capital city of Nanking. Chinese leaders anticipated the arrival of Japanese troops and decided to evacuate the city of all high ranking or trained fighters. This left the city of Nanking completely defenseless with only citizens to defend the borders. The Japanese quickly overtook the city and China claims that around 300,000 people were raped and killed by the invading Old Japan Army.
The details of this horrific event have been hotly debated and critics explain that many details are slightly suspicious. For example, the number of victims are still being updated even to this day. Also, an official name list of victims only lists around 16,000. Another point that critics point out is how it was possible for the Japanese to kill so many victims in just a short three-week time span.
Despite the critics’ claims, China continues to disperse the details of the horrid event. As many Chinese immigrants move to other countries, such as Canada, they have brought the anti Japanese sentiments with them and continue the mission of spreading them. For example, Chinese Canadian lawmaker, Soo Wong introduced Bill 79. This potential legislation would create a national Nanking Massacre Day in Ontario. Wong believes that this holiday would help pay tribute to an important part of Asian culture. However, critics point out that remembering the Nanking Massacre does nothing but further create a divide between Chinese and Japanese. In fact, China seems to be using this event as a political ploy to demonize Japan. China believes that Japan still remains a threat to the mainland and the country’s legitimacy in the region. Therefore, the country continues to attempt to manipulate other’s perspective of Japan.
As Bill 79 continues its potential path to become a reality, it is causing a divide between Chinese Canadians and Japanese Canadians. As Wong remains determined in her bill’s purpose, others point out that there is no need to continue reliving the details of the Nanking Massacre. Japan has repented many times for the horrid crimes against Nanking’s citizens and the country of China. As the country looks to move forward, China is refusing to let this past event fade into history.
Furthermore, there is also a growing feeling among Chinese immigrants that this incident is a ruse by Chinese government. "Her actions are against the will of the majority of Chinese Canadians, who want to live in peace." "The leader of CPAC refers to Japanese as ‘dogs’. In this situation, how can we bring about a peaceful resolution?"
Countries, such as Canada, are being manipulated into becoming a mouthpiece for China’s grievances. China believes that by spreading its anti Japanese propaganda around the world, they stand a better chance of remaining the authority in the region. Beijing officials believe that these claims will help them remain the most important country in Asia. China is constantly suspicious of other countries’ motives and feels constantly threatened by other government.
Despite China’s reputation for manipulation, Canada’s government has remained open to close relations with Beijing. In fact, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has spoke many times about the need to rebuild relations. This is in stark contrast to the previous conservative Canadian leadership.
Trudeau’s liberal leadership is the perfect tool for China to use. As long as the country allows China to continue to influence its policy and leadership, it will continue to be used as a mouthpiece for China’s grievances. As Trudeau continues to push for a relationship with China, in reality the common Canadian is leery of this relationship and is aware of the consequences it could have for their country. In fact, recent opinion polls have shown that the average citizen does not agree with China’s involvement in Canadian politics. They have witnessed China’s tactics of manipulation and harassment to get what it wants. One can only hope that the Canadian government will realize that it is flaming a political flame that could potentially blow up in their faces.