The @AsiaPacificFdn is hosting a conversation with Chinese ambassador to Canada, Cong Peiwu, this Tuesday. I’ve submitted these questions. Hoping the moderator will pose them to the ambassador.

First question from Stewart Beck directly addresses tensions: Is it Beijing's strategy to use economic coercion on other countries (like Australia and Canada)?

Ambassador Cong Peiwu says China is "not using trade and economic measures as a weapon to punish other countries".

Cong Peiwu says China stopped imports of Canadian canola and pork products because of "safety" concerns. Context: https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2019/11/05/china-lifts-ban-on-canadian-pork-beef-products.html

Rather, China is the victim of the United States using (economic coercion) measures, China's ambassador to Canada says.

Addressing polls showing surge in negative opinions towards Beijing from Canadians, Cong blames media and some politicians for "spreading misinformation."

Stewart Beck says Michael Kovrig is a former colleague, asks about the two Michaels' cases.

Cong Peiwu says the two Canadians are being treated well. He compares the two Michaels' situation to Meng Wanzhou's detention and calls on Canada to release Meng.

Cong acknowledges polls showing increasingly negative views towards Beijing from Canadians, but says he has spoken with many Canadians and thinks some are too afraid to speak in support of forging closer ties with China, given the political climate.

Questions from @AsiaPacificFdn have been pointed. CEO Stewart Beck asks about China's aggressive "wolf warrior diplomacy.

Cong says: "We're not the one to initiate the trouble. But if the trouble comes our way, we have a principle to defend our national security and interest."

Cong reserves most of his expressions of anger at American politicians "Secretary Pompeo and his like": "Day in and day out, they are saying abuses and attacks against China. They have no diplomatic etiquette at all."

This is the most interesting interview with Cong Peiwu I've seen so far, where he's addressing (without accepting) many common criticisms of Beijing's aggressive foreign diplomacy. I'd recommend asking @AsiaPacificFdn for the recording if you'd like to watch the whole thing.