Claws of the Panda: Beijing's Campaign of Influence and Intimidation in Canada

by Jonathan Manthorpe

Claws of the Panda tells the story of Canada’s failure to construct a workable policy towards the People’s Republic of China. In particular the book tells of Ottawa’s failure to recognize and confront the efforts by the Chinese Communist Party to infiltrate and influence Canadian politics, academia, and media, and to exert control over Canadians of Chinese heritage.

Claws of the Panda gives a detailed description of the CCP’s campaign to embed agents of influence in Canadian business, politics, media and academia. The party’s aims are to be able to turn Canadian public policy to China’s advantage, to acquire useful technology and intellectual property, to influence Canada’s international diplomacy, and, most important, to be able to monitor and intimidate Chinese Canadians and others it considers dissidents.

The book traces the evolution of the Canada-China relationship over nearly 150 years. It shows how Canadian leaders have constantly misjudged the reality and potential of the relationship while the CCP and its agents have benefited from Canadian naivete.

Genres: Politics, China, Nonfiction, Canada, History, Journalism, International Relations

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 5, 2019

About the author

Jonathan Manthorpe is the author of three books on international relations, politics, and history. Over his forty-year career as a journalist, he has been the foreign correspondent in Asia, Africa, and Europe for Southam News, the European Bureau Chief for the Toronto Star, and the national political reporter for The Globe and Mail. For the last few years, he has been based in Victoria, British Columbia.

Reviews

[Mikey B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about the encroachment of China into Canada’s internal affairs. Canada recognized China in 1970. The development of China and its impact on the world since then have been on a phenomenal level which many in Canada have failed to realize.

The author gives us a history of Canadian-Chinese relations, and it started in the 19th century when Canadian missionaries went to China to proselytize. In some ways Canadians still cling to this vision and have modernized it to now believing that China will adopt liberal democratic values. Many federal, provincial and municipal leaders have failed to realize that China is not interested in democratic reform. China wants as much as possible to influence the Chinese diaspora in Canada (and elsewhere in the world) to be remain loyal to China and namely the values of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party).

The CCP controls and manages all facets of life in China; for example, they have members on the executive boards of all major Chinese companies. This translates that if a Chinese company buys into a foreign company – in Canada, the U.S., Australia… part of its representation and business interests will be beholden to the CCP. There is little or no interest in workers rights, unions, environmental impact…

The CCP will influence anyone they do business with in the following key areas:
1) Tibet, Xinjiang and Taiwan are integral parts of China. Xinjiang has a large Muslim population which the CCP has put under a state of siege.
2) Falun Gong is, according to the CCP, a dangerous religious cult and is being violently suppressed in China.
3) Promoting democracy in China or supporting Chinese dissidents is unacceptable. Included in this would be the current pro-democracy struggle in Hong King.

There are many groups being funded in Canada (and around the world) by the CCP which actively promote these values. There is a very large Chinese diaspora in Vancouver and Toronto and many are opposed to the CCP – and some are physically scared of the repercussions of their opposition. “Confucius Institutes” sponsored by the CCP have been set up across Canada (and the world) at universities and Chinese cultural centres. When it became obvious that free dialogue was not permitted on certain issues (as in the ones stipulated above) some of the “Confucius Institutes” were banned from universities. The CCP has set-up media in Canada to promote their causes, as in mandarin language television.

Canada now has over 70,000 Chinese students attending schools, colleges, and universities across Canada (page 204, my book). Because they are foreign students their fees are substantially higher than that for Canadian students and they are increasingly being seen as an excellent revenue source for universities and possibly as impacting core values in university courses; the “Confucius Institutes” being but one example. Chinese students can be influenced and cajoled to take part in pro-China demonstrations, as the recent examples of pro-China demonstrators to counter the pro-democracy Hong Kong demonstrators have shown in Vancouver and Toronto.

What is also disconcerting is the large financial gap that now exists between this new emerging super-power and Canada. China has bought – or is attempting to buy Canadian technological companies to gain access to new developmental knowledge.

There are many valid issues raised by the author, but there are some that are unsubstantiated. For example, he mentions how the growing rise of wealthy Chinese immigrants has made housing costs astronomical in both Toronto and Vancouver. But how does this play into the hands of the CCP? In many cases these people come to Canada for the economic and social security that is not found under the CCP in China. The author mentions Mark Rowswell who became a media star in Chinese television, but what is the connection to the CCP – and how is this bad for Canada? The book lacked cohesion and an overall flow and would move from topic to topic with little continuity. When Canada first recognized China in the 1970’s it was a poor underdeveloped country and much less powerful country than it is now – I would have liked more on how Canada did not adjust to the immense changes in China.

Nevertheless, we come away with a view that Canada is being swayed by the gigantic economic power of the new emerging China – which has no interest in liberalism and human rights. We have to realize sooner than later who exactly we are dealing with.

Page 187 Richard Fadden, director of Canadian Security Intelligence Services,2010

There funding Confucius Institutes in most of the campuses across Canada. They’re managed by people who are operating out of the [Chinese] embassy or consulates. Nobody knows that the Chinese authorities are involved. They have organized demonstrations against the Canadian government in respect to some of our policies concerning China.


Page 207 Tong Xiaoling, Chinese Consul General in Vancouver

We are not going to change our principles or soften our position for the completion of a free trade deal, and we reject the use of political conditions as bargaining chips in a negotiation for an economic agreement.

[Jaye Latts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a timely exploration of the relationship between Canada and China. Canadians should be worried about this lopsided relationship and we should be stronger in our dealings with China. Canada is being used by China to launder dirty money through gambling and real estate purchases, and they're trying to get their "claws" into some of our vital industries; this needs to stop and we need governments at all levels to stand up to them.

[Jim Milway · Rating 4 out of 5]

A warning to Canadians on the type of government we deal with in China. It is uncompromising, focused, and cunning in its mission to create a world leading economy and political force. It uses Canada for laundering money, squelching honesty among Chinese immigrants to Canada about the true nature of China's government, and influencing our politicians in an underhanded manner. They attempt to infiltrate academia, industry, and research. Frightening.

Manthorpe (I remember him from the 1970s writing so well in the Globe&Mail about Ontario politics) brings a reporter's skill to this news story. He pours cold water on the idea that "constructive engagement" will bring their government into the liberal world that we take for granted in our democracies. No doubt, he argues, we have to engage with China. But we need to be more clear-headed and less naive about what we're dealing with.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding read on Canada-China relations.

Extremely eye opening political science book.

I found this very interesting and informative, also very pertinent.

This book would be an excellent companion read to Wilful Blindness: How a Criminal Network of Narcos, Tycoons and CCP Agents Infiltrated the West and Stealth War: How China Took Over While America's Elite Slept.

Highly recommended read.

[Vontel · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent presentation & analysis. While China isn't the only source country for some of the issues, the scope & scale is unique and the impact profound. Manthorpe also outlines the involvement & culpability(perhaps contribution to the current situation is a better term) of generations of Canadians. I wasn't really familiar with the generational ramifications of the earlier flows of missionaries from the late 1800's to pre-ww2 into China.

The book calls for us all to think about what we really want our country to be like, & how can we help keep it/make it that way. I hope every politician & bureaucrat in Canada, at all levels from municipal through provincial & federal, reads this book. I also hope the same for schools, colleges & universities. I strongly encourage every citizen to read the book and consider the evidence and activities. Jonathan Manthorpe has been a credible reporter, journalist & author for a long time.

[Karen Cairns · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to devour this book as I am quite concerned about developing closer ties with China...our naïveté seems frightening. The book clearly lays out the influence of the Chinese state in the early chapters, but it is a litany of names, dates and places that is too detailed and tedious to make an interesting read. I couldn't finish.

[Keith W · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is an easy read as the seasoned journalist author simply states mostly facts and reports that he compiled over the last few decades. I feel the chapters are neatly divided as feature articles. As an immigrant originated from Hong Kong and has been living for three decades in Canada, I witness and experience many of the political and community affairs described in the book. The author is not advocating for a binary solution in the complex relationship with China, but a more realistic approach to engage with a one-party authoritative state that has extensive and well-financed aggressive strategies that worry their international partners, as well as incite fear upon many people within its jurisdiction and beyond.

[Rob Tesselaar · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent review of the evolution of Canada's relationship with China and more specifically the Chinese government's goals for that relationship and the means by which they are pursuing their goals. As the author says, everything in the book is on the public record. Mr. Manthorpe does a good job at telling the story in an impartial manner and leaving the reader to draw their own conclusion - while some information presented is alarming, this is not an extremist perspective. This book should be mandatory reading for all public officials as a reminder that the other players on the world stage are looking after their own best interests and are not going to be won over by naive well-wishing and idealistic sentiments.

[Hal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent journalism by an excellent journalist. If you are Canadian you must read this book to understand how incompetent and corrupt many of our institutions are. If you live in Vancouver it will explain what you see and experience living in this once wonderful city. If you live anywhere else in Canada don’t say nobody warned you. Both major parties have enabled the CCP and its business interests, turned the other way from triad gangs, money launderers, immigration and tax scammers, kleptocrats and CCP agents of all sorts.
But you don’t need to be Canadian to appreciate a superb description of how the CCP projects influence in every corner of the globe.

[Dino Roberge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Author s on the money. This book should be given to all politicians. Does it serve an agenda? Sure does. The Canadian one.

[Zulu Fox · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. This is a fairly opportunistic book which is clearly capitalizing on the current climate and coasting off of the success of Clive Hamilton's "Silent Invasion" which was published a year earlier and examines the same theme in Australia. It also undoubtedly benefited from the whole Meng Wanzhou affair which occurred just after the book was published and so isn't addressed. The speed with which this book appears to have been thrown together probably also explains some of the typos, like referring to CSIS as the "Canadian Security Intelligence Agency" in one instance (which is kind of an odd mistake to persist considering the back of the book proclaims: "Now in it's third printing!" - but I digress).

Positive points: Manthorpe directs our attention to an important issue and brings together a collection of incidents (some of which are a little dated and so may be news to the reader) into one narrative. He makes an especially compelling case that 1. the PRC continues to influence Canadian media and maybe the business and political classes and 2. that it was and remains unlikely that Canadian engagement with China will have any impact on it's political evolution. Manthorpe is a journalist and he clearly has a good sense of the ins and outs of reporting on China from a Canadian perspective. He also has a decent grasp of PRC history and politics and seemingly a few interesting anecdotes and off the cuff (off the record?) remarks.

Negative points: 1. There is essentially nothing new here. So far as I can tell there is no original research of any kind - a point on which I may be wrong, but it's hard to tell because Manthorpe includes no footnotes, and no note on his sources. Moreover, the bibliography - coming in at just under two pages - is pretty paltry, consisting exclusively of secondary sources published in the twentieth century, with exactly three sources published in 2011 or later. So far as I can tell, he does seem to reference a few other government of Canada reports which he names in the text, but the rest of his information seems to come from the news media. In fact most, if not all, of the incidents he sites are clearly lifted in their entirety from the Globe and Mail and a few other papers.

2. His "analyses" or presentations of a number of points of Chinese history and politics are so amusingly superficial and brief as to be irrelevant at best and misleading at worst. For example: "as a means of defending himself against criticism for his management of the Great Leap Forward and the resulting famine, Mao launched the Cultural Revolution in 1966." (p.87) - well, that might come as news to the people who actually produce scholarship on the subject. This is unconnected to his main thesis I know, but this leads to my next point:

3. This book could have been tightened up quite a bit to just focus on what it advertises: Beijing's campaign of influence and intimidation in Canada. There are a number of chapters focused on the history of PRC-Canada relations, which contains some interesting bits for sure, but if I wanted to learn about the history of PRC-Canada diplomatic relations, I'd buy a book on that subject (the same goes for the history of missionaries in China, or the history of the triads for that matter). Perhaps for this to appear more viable as a book, rather than an essay or a pamphlet, someone felt the need to bulk it up a bit to include these historical portions which, again, rely seemingly entirely on other commercially available books.

4. Some of his points could really have been fleshed out a bit more. For example, while the portion on Chinese money laundering in Canada and PRC officials trying to smuggle their wealth into Canada was interesting (if tangential to his main thesis), the claim that China is "corrupting" Canadian business and political life in a meaningful way was never really substantiated. Further, Manthorpe's attempt to draw a linear path from Canadian missionaries to China, and the present day (or even past 50 years) Canadian stance towards China fell a bit flat for me.

In fact, some of my favourite portions of the book were when Manthorpe hints at his personal experiences regarding reporting on the PRC. I would have been much more interested to read a book written by Manthorpe in which he is very present as a subject and in which he really dives into what he's learned about, for instance, Chinese covert media activities in Macau prior to the handover in 1999, or Chinese pressure on the Vancouver Sun - things which he alludes to having personal experience with. But then, perhaps that wouldn't be as hot right now and wouldn't sell as many books - it would just be a better read.

In sum, if the concept of China influencing Canada covertly is entirely alien to you, maybe you'll get something out of this, but you could just as well Google the subject and read all the media reports which this book is based off.

[Evan Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Important insights into CCP influence campaigns within Canada and targeting of diaspora communities. Also a nice reference to Mark Bourrie's experience as a journalist with Xinhua. Project Sidewinder also seems prescient, despite flaws.

Recommended reading for anyone interested in Sino-Canadian relations.

[Kaustubh Kirti · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is an interesting account of China - Canada relationship over the past century with much focus on the recent past. How the Communist Party in China has shaped the relationship and used it in means to an end.

The author tells an elaborate story end to end with a closing message of how this relationship should be in the future. He tries to highlight in promoting the relationship Canadian politicians have not only introduced Chinese corruption and red tape in their country but brought influence of triads and crimes in China. China has used every possible means - whether media outlets (Xinhua) or the Confucius Institutes, Chinese students, weak immigration laws on the 1980s as means to further access Canada, its technology and information (being a key NATO ally).

The use of story lines around key actors who have given first hand experience of how this slow strategy worked is interesting. Author has also referred to tons of literature including the Sidewinder Report on the Chinese criminal webs in Canada.

However the end of the story is raw. To some extent it is true as well. Canada of the 1970s was important for China. Today Canadian importance to China would be illusion concept. For that perspective keeping a hawkish approach on Chinese human rights record would probably help the government gain much ground with its relationship with China. China on their part would continue their espionage, Technology theft and distorted trade regime which would not benefit Canada in any foreseeable future.

[Les Dangerfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

I dither between three and four stars for this book. It is an important case study about how one prominent country and society has adapted to the growing strength and influence of China in the world. It is a warning to all that China’s relations with other countries are very much driven by self interest, not so much of the country itself but of the Chinese Communist Party.

The writer describes numerous means by which China is using the Chinese diaspora in Canada and its huge wealth to build influence for the long term.

The way the book is written feels to me rather more like a set of essays on the theme of contemporary Canada-China relations. Some of these - notably the first two and the last few are at times quite gripping reading, whilst others are laboured, going into too much detail on, for example, the missionary roots of Canadian links with China.

[Jack Greenberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

A timely read considering the frost that has recently enveloped bilateral relations between the two countries. For me, the takeaway is that effective engagement with China requires clear boundaries between acceptable and unacceptable behaviour. As Manthrope demonstrates with numerous examples from the public record, we are missing articulated ground rules. It is high time for our public officials, academics, and businessmen to stand up for Canada's interests and confront CCP effort to intimidate and influence on our soil.

[Douglas S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having lived in China for over a decade I was familiar with much of the China side, but shocked at how Canada has managed it. I recently asked someone I know well who works at a Canadian financial institution’s money laundering dept why so many get away with it- and was told that they refer them to the govt and then nothing seems to happen.

Canadians need to wake up, and this book helps improve our awareness. A little late, but better now than never. Our whole relationship with China needs to be re-thought. And there are also lessons for other countries too.

[Jason Comely · Rating 5 out of 5]

It seems no politician or Chinese resident in Canada is safe from the propaganda, mass monitoring, harassment and even physical attacks of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The CCPs war of intimidation and deception is at every level of Canadian government, from top corporations to the streets.

Now is the time for Canadians to get informed, and to pray for our political leaders and the Chinese people who live under this dictatorship.

[Greg Hollingsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant! Perhaps being a Canadian, my perception is a bit focused on the clear malignancy of the CCP's activities in Canada, but Manthorpe builds a convincing case for the clear threat the CCP poses to the people, institutions and freedoms of this country. He also indicts our current political cast for its blinkered (corrupt?) policies towards the CCP thugocracy. Highly recommended reading for people concerned about Xi Jinping and his mob.

[Gilda · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting but disquieting look at China-Canada relations and how China (through the Chinese Communist Party) is infiltrating many aspects of Canadian life - academic, business & politics. They are doing the same in other countries. A book we as Canadians should all read - as should our politicians at all levels!

[Shishir · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book examining Beijing’s campaign of influence and intimidation in Canada. The book expands on spheres of impactful influence using both illegal money laundered funds to reach Politicians, Media, as well as threats and patriotism as means to access and mobilize Chinese diaspora. The book could have been more concise and less repetitive

[Jerry Vanee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be required reading by every elected official in Canada and indeed every Canadian concerned about Canada’s relationship with the CCP. It was written prior to the “two Michaels” incident, but certainly lays the ground work for such things happening. An excellent read, but it is the kind of book that will keep you up at night.

[Carrie Froese · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read by all Canadians to understand what is required to maintain Canadian autonomy.

[Sue Pit · Rating 4 out of 5]

An informative heads up as to the strategic and insidious efforts by China under current communist rule to expand influence in Canada by various means including, inter alia, politics and purchases and or investments of a variety of strategic businesses or controlling interests therein as well as other means of directing influence such as via influx of cash or perks so to create a sense of obligation or a experiential growing reliance thereon etc. as well as espionage via benign appearing trojan horses (educational fronts, etc.) as well as threats to expats across the pond generally regarding their relatives in China. Such covert actions, often under the guise of being 'well meaning' are occurring elsewhere as well such as in Australia, New Zealand and Great Britain (e.g. I just read today about a very "helpful" purchase by a Chinese company of a steel company in the UK. Reassurances of no security risk/threat are stated ...but may be a but a piece of a larger effort). China even wished for extradition powers of its the Chinese who have moved to Canada similar to the extradition powers earlier wished for in Hong Kong. There is a wonder in globalization, but the history and intent of China needs to be considered in today's world, despite best hopes.

[John B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read with a lot of revelatory analysis about the past and present of Chinese-Canadian relations. This book was completed before the current breakdown in relations prompted by the detention of Meng Wanzhou and Covid-19, but the chapters that deal with SARS and other arrests of Canadians are very prescient. Manthorpe is credible even though he may seem alarmist and overly tendentious at times. Much of what he said has become more tangible in the past year. One criticism I have is of a section that attributes pretty much all the heat in the Toronto and Vancouver real estate markets in the last decade plus to Chinese capital flight. Here, I think domestic factors (low interest rates) are much more significant.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A most enlightening book which is of particular interest considering the current debate about election interference taking place in Canada. Claws of the Panda is filled with facts and historical data, much of which I will not retain, buts it’s main thrust is impossible to miss. Either driven by ignorance or a desire for personal gain, traditionally Canada and her politicians has left herself vulnerable to the CCP and its efforts to infiltrate, influence and disrupt Canadian life. Mr. Manthorpe is not advocating a withdrawal in relations with China but instead posits the necessity of an understanding of the CCP’s political agenda and a means to contain its incursion.

[Jayme · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very informative book & I appreciated the massive amount of research done for it. It was interesting to learn that both Trudeau administrations have been instrumental in emboldening the CCP in Canada. It was wierd that the Harper administration came across as a sort of hero in this non-fiction for being more protective of Canadian interests. Meanwhile the Harper administration spent a great deal of time eroding the social safety net which has been a huge contributor to housing crises across the country.

[Chris McCartney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written. Case well made and backed up thoroughly with easy to check references. This is the real deal if you might have ever wondered what the CCP is up to in every single facet of Canadian society. I have wondered. Questions answered. Now what???? How is this madness stopped with the current govt when all the while CSIS has been warning of subversion and the govt is like "nah it'll be fine". I dunno which makes me feel more unsafe. The covert actions of the CCP, The United Front Works Department, the MSS or the Liberals.

[Fred Bouwman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A timely book on the current issues facing Canada with the clear influence the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has on our politics. For years we thought China was a friendly country looking to get closer ties to Canada but their only goal was to ensure that the Canadians from China maintained the Party line, and to gain an advantage by obtaining our technology.

We have to keep our distance from China and treat them just on a transactional basis as our cultures and laws are different and that will not change as long as China is governed by the CCP.

[Scott Harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

A deep analysis of the unfolding relationship between Canada and China, highlighting Canada's interest in fostering and maintaining this relationship while expressing disdain for the actions of various political regimes and worrying about the impact on the relationship with the US and other countries. Moreover, it describes the complex workings of China's internal operations, network of friends and agents and complex national and international considerations.

[Yener · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is so dense. Not your ordinary pop-politics. Each paragraph is supported by documents, government reports, names and news.
Especially second half is so strong. From China's control over Canadian academics to CCP's recruitment of private sector workers.
The only weakness may be lack of emphasis over internet. Probably there is a stronger vein there waiting to written. I hope Manthorpe writes a sequel in that direction.