China’s Response to Canada’s Hikvision Ban

BEIJING (Reuters) – China’s commerce ministry urged Canada on Monday to “immediately correct its wrongdoings” after Ottawa ordered the Chinese company Hikvision to cease operations in the country, citing national security concerns.

In a statement published on its website, the Chinese ministry vowed to take the “necessary measures” to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese businesses.

“The government has determined that Hikvision Canada Inc’s continued operations in Canada would be injurious to Canada’s national security,” Canadian Industry Minister Melanie Joly stated on X, adding the decision was based on a multi-step review of information provided by Canada’s security and intelligence community.

China’s foreign ministry also expressed strong opposition to Canada’s decision and reported having lodged stern representations with the Canadian authorities.

The foreign ministry accused Canada of generalizing the concept of national security and suppressing Chinese enterprises, urging it to provide a fair, just, and non-discriminatory environment for Chinese companies.