A former member of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA), Lieutenant Colonel Huajie Xu, residing in Winnipeg, faces allegations of involvement in cyber warfare activities targeting Canada. Despite claiming to be a mere instructor at a university affiliated with the PLA’s espionage unit, Xu’s background raises concerns about Canada’s screening process for foreign nationals with ties to hostile governments.
Xu, who spent two decades in the PLA, relocated to Canada in 2021 and obtained permanent residence. However, questions arose about his past military service, particularly his association with the PLA Information Engineering University, a reputed center for cyber warfare research. Despite denying any direct involvement in cyber warfare, Xu’s ties to the PLA raise red flags, given the university’s affiliation with espionage activities targeting Canada.
This case highlights broader issues surrounding Ottawa’s ability to vet individuals with connections to adversarial regimes like China, Iran, and Russia. With cyber attacks and foreign interference posing significant threats to Canadian interests, Xu’s presence in Canada underscores the urgency for more robust screening measures.
As Xu’s case unfolds, concerns mount over the potential national security implications of allowing individuals with ties to foreign military institutions into the country. The Federal Court’s decision to revisit Xu’s immigration status reflects the gravity of the situation and the need for heightened vigilance in safeguarding Canada’s cybersecurity infrastructure.