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Canada says the issue is linked to economic engagement with China and wants it part of any formal trade pact.

China disagrees strongly, saying the two issues are not linked.

The Canadian government is pressured by the media on this issue

Lu offered a candid insight into how China views that difference of opinion: the diplomat blamed an ill-informed Canadian media for forcing the issue onto the agenda.

“I think the Canadian government is pressured by the media on this issue,” Lu said through a translator provided by his embassy.

“I think that Canadian media is quite influential.”

Lu then interjected in English to stress that Canadian politicians sometimes have to “bow before media.”

He recommended the approach of his country’s ruling communist party as an efficient way of dealing with the media.

“The Chinese Communist Party and the government is good at listening to public opinion and also they do their part to lead and mobilize people for a common cause.”

Lu said when he arrived in Canada four months ago, his top priority was to deepen co-operation between the two countries.

Justin Trudeau and China’s leadership have taken steps to expand bilateral relations, with the prime minister travelling to China last summer and then hosting Premier Li Keqiang in Ottawa several weeks later.

Trudeau wants to deepen economic and political relations with China.

But Trudeau has also pledged not to shy away from engaging with China on the sensitive area. He used a speech in Shanghai last fall to say Canada encourages China to do more to protect and promote human rights.