MP Han Dong suing Global News over ‘false’ reporting on Chinese interference

MP Han Dong says he is suing Global News and Corus Entertainment over their reporting that he advised a Chinese diplomat on the detentions of the Two Michaels in 2021.

Dong released a statement on Monday saying he has retained a lawyer and is ready to “begin legal action to its fullest extent.”

“I voted in support of a public inquiry on foreign interference to demonstrate to my family, colleagues and constituents that I have nothing to hide and to remind my false accusers and Global News that the truth will always come out in the end,” reads the statement from Dong.

Please see my statement below. pic.twitter.com/7NgcDKSaXy

— Han Dong (@handongontario) March 27, 2023

The Toronto MP for Don Valley North announced he would resign from the Liberal caucus last week and sit as an Independent. Dong told the House of Commons that he would defend himself against “absolutely untrue claims” regarding his alleged involvement in Chinese interference.

Global News published a report citing unnamed security sources alleging the MP spoke about Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig in February 2021. The report accuses Dong of telling China’s consul general that releasing the detained pair would benefit the Conservatives.

“I took every available opportunity to advocate on behalf of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor and to call for their immediate release,” reads Dong’s latest statement. “It is inconceivable that I would suggest a falsely accused individual should spend an extra minute in jail.”

The Two Michaels were detained in China for nearly three years before returning to Canada in September 2021. Their detainment in December 2018 followed the RCMP’s arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou in Vancouver on a U.S. extradition warrant.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently appointed former governor general David Johnston as a special rapporteur to probe the issue of Chinese meddling in federal elections. Trudeau has not ruled out the possibility of calling a public inquiry into the issue but says any recommendation to do so will have to come from Johnston.

In his statement, Dong says he supports the mandate of Johnston and would be willing to cooperate in the probe.

“I am willing to meet with him and provide any information that he requests,” Dong says.

Trudeau said last week that he accepts Dong’s move to resign from the Liberal caucus. The prime minister would not answer directly when pressed on whether he believes the allegations against the former Liberal MP.

With files from The Canadian Press