Different Paths Will Lead to Different Results for Chinese Diplomats

Two pieces of important news broke out recently relating to Chinese diplomats. One was regarding Chen Yonglin, a former First Secretary of the Chinese Consulate-General in Sydney, Australia. Chen refused to continue being used by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in its persecution of Falun Gong. Instead, he decided to come forward and tell the truth of the persecution. The other was regarding the officials at the Chinese Consulate in Calgary, Canada, who may be soon charged with committing hate crime for openly distributing and displaying materials that slander Falun Gong. The police verified that the booklets distributed by the Consulate officials were promoting hate crimes. These diplomats may be sued in Canada.

The Australian government recently issued a permanent protection visa to Chen and his family. The Australian people and governments of other democratic countries also expressed strong support for Chen.

In contrast, Edmonton police submitted an investigation report to Alberta Justice with the finding that literature distributed by Chinese consular staff slandered Falun Gong and violated Canada's hate-crimes law. This is the first time Canadian police have investigated the Chinese Consulate in Calgary for slandering Falun Gong. Alberta Justice is currently reviewing the report and may file a lawsuit against the consular officials.

The consular officials will need to personally face Canadian laws, if such a suit is filed, regardless of whether they were only following orders. Former Chinese vice consul in Toronto, Pan Xinchun, was charged with defamation of Falun Gong. Pan's bank account was frozen after he refused to pay the court-ordered damages. Pan later returned to China. With his history, not many countries would welcome him as a diplomat. He may also face further legal actions.

The officials who follow the CCP and participate in the persecution will face serious repercussions. Their future will only be bright if they can take the opportunity and step out of the darkness.