Cong Peiwu, the Chinese Ambassador to Canada since 2019, has unexpectedly left his post and returned to China, according to sources. This development coincided with a visit to China by Canadian Deputy Foreign Minister David Morrison, where discussions on “China-Canada relations and other mutual interests” were held.
The reasons behind Ambassador Cong’s sudden departure remain unclear as the Chinese embassy in Ottawa has yet to respond to inquiries. This event comes amid ongoing diplomatic strains between Canada and China, highlighted by past incidents such as the detention of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou by Canadian authorities in 2018 and the subsequent arrest of Canadians Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig in China.
These tensions have been further exacerbated by disagreements over issues like China’s national security law in Hong Kong and alleged interference in Canadian elections—allegations that China denies. The timing of Cong’s return to China raises questions about the current state and future of diplomatic relations between the two nations.