Xi Jinping scolds Justin Trudeau in humiliating G20 snub

Rare footage captured a confrontation between China’s usually stage-managed leader and Canada’s Prime Minister at the G20 in Bali. Watch video.

Chinese Chairman Xi Jinping and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau came to blows over leaks of their private conversation in a rare public display of tension from the Communist leader.

The break in the usually stage-managed composure of the CCP head was captured by Canadian broadcasters as the pair spoke through a translator on the sidelines of the summit in Indonesia.

“Everything we discussed has been leaked to the paper, that’s not appropriate,” Xi said in mandarin as the Global News camera zoomed in behind the translator.

“And that’s not the way the conversation was concluded.”

The Chinese President could be heard complaining that the content of the pair’s official discussion was leaked to newspapers.

It came after Canadian press reported that Mr Trudeau raised Ottawa’s concern that China was interfering in Canada’s domestic affairs.

“If there is sincerity on your part,” the translator continues before Mr Trudeau begins to interject.

“We believe in free and open and frank dialogue and that is what we will continue to have,” Mr Trudeau says as Xi appears to grimace or express annoyance while the crowd of onlookers continues to grow.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appeared momentarily taken aback before saying that Canada believed in “free and open and frank dialogue”.

“We will continue to look to work constructively together but there will be things that we will disagree on,” Mr Trudeau adds before trailing off as Xi cuts the conversation short.

Looking exasperated, Xi says “Create the conditions first,” before offering his hand to shake and walking off.

Xi Jinping appeared to give a forced smile during the discussion on the sidelines.

At a news conference, Mr Trudeau told reporters that he raised the accusations of interference during their first meeting since 2019.

“It is important to be able to have a dialogue about this,” he said.

Canadian federal police said on Thursday they were investigating so-called police stations set up illegally by China in the North American country.

The two leaders ended up shaking hands at the end of the conversation.

Mr Trudeau also said last week China was playing “aggressive games” after Canadian broadcaster Global News reported on a “clandestine network” of federal election candidates funded by Beijing.

“It’s extremely important we continue to stand up for the things that are important for Canadians,” Mr Trudeau told reporters.

He said he also highlighted “areas of mutual concern and geopolitical challenges” in his talk with Xi, including the war in Ukraine and tensions on the Korean peninsula.

China’s foreign ministry declined on Wednesday to confirm any details of the conversation between the two leaders. Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said she had no information when asked about the meeting.

– with AFP