Canada-China Relations committee  I just might say that the question you posed is an important one but a hypothetical one in terms of how we might respond to a particular scenario. What is important is to say what we're already doing. As the brigadier-general has already pointed out, Canada has expanded its defence and security engagement in the Indo-Pacific in recent years.

Canada-China Relations committee  Thanks for the question. I think I can be brief. Part of the challenge is that, to date, that's the only source we're aware of, so it's important for us to understand and corroborate if that source is accurate.

Canada-China Relations committee  As the member has alluded to, there have been a series of missile tests. There has not yet been a nuclear test. There are deep concerns that it could be coming. Canada, along with its closest partners in the G7, plus others, have repeatedly called out the DPRK for its reckless use of missile testing, including, as you have mentioned, overnight over Japan.

Canada-China Relations committee  Thank you for the question. I want to acknowledge and accept the premise that there are a number of roles and responsibilities here. Global Affairs Canada does have an important role here. Without trying to frustrate the line of questioning, I just want to underscore the fact that the investigative role is critical here before we take important and anticipated diplomatic actions in response.

Canada-China Relations committee  That's correct. We are waiting for evidence, not just from media reports but from operations under way. I won't speak further to the detail of that. I think specific questions on that should be directed to the RCMP.

Canada-China Relations committee  I would have to defer to the RCMP as to whether they would make that announcement publicly or not.

Canada-China Relations committee  We are working closely with all relevant partners to understand whether there are grounds to these very disturbing allegations. Obviously, if there are, we will be taking the relevant actions in our lane, which is the diplomatic lane.

Canada-China Relations committee  Again, given that this session is not in camera, I don't think it would be appropriate for me to discuss operational details here.

Canada-China Relations committee  The activity that's being alleged would be entirely illegal and totally inappropriate, and it would be the subject of very serious representations and follow-up diplomatically. Thank you.

Canada-China Relations committee  I'm afraid I'm unable to answer that question.

Canada-China Relations committee  I can assure the members of this committee that this is a serious issue, and that addressing it, determining whether there are any grounds to the allegations and then dealing with it is a top priority. Of course, it would be undertaken as quickly as possible.

Canada-China Relations committee  There are none that I'm aware of.

Canada-China Relations committee  I can't answer that question specifically in the way it was phrased. However, what I can tell the committee is that Canada has historically had operational police liaison partnerships between Canada and the PRC, including police liaison officers who are accredited and have been provided diplomatic status to undertake information-sharing roles.

Canada-China Relations committee  Again, the lead on this in terms of training, capacity building, and information and intelligence sharing is through the RCMP with local police forces. However, Global Affairs Canada works very closely with the RCMP, CSIS, other intelligence parties around town and Public Safety to make sure that our assessment...which is that these are the types of practices, the way in which interference is carried out and the vectors for it, that we see around the world through our work.

Canada-China Relations committee  Absolutely.