Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I appreciate the witnesses' apropos comments about the important distinction between criticizing the policies of the People's Republic of China and expressing anti-Chinese sentiments. They are two completely different things.
Some of the security experts the committee has heard from thus far would probably say you are speaking fairly candidly about the People's Republic of China. You warned against ruffling China's feathers and exacerbating tensions, and yet, that is precisely what Chinese authorities seem to be doing: exacerbating tensions with Canada.
Many argue that Canada's prevarication, appeasement and attempts to mollify Chinese authorities have not worked, so it's time to stand up to China, not just as a country, on our own, but also alongside other countries.
What do you say to the idea that, despite Canada's attempts to take a nuanced and co-operative approach with Chinese authorities, the efforts have been futile? China has gotten tough with Canada regardless.