Agencies: An independent special rapporteur recommended yesterday, Tuesday, not to open a public investigation into allegations of Beijing's interference in the recent federal elections in Canada, but he simultaneously acknowledged attempts from abroad to influence the vote.

China, suspected of trying to interfere in the Canadian elections in 2019 and 2021, strongly denied these accusations.

The rapporteur and former Governor General of Canada, the King's representative in the country, David Johnston, said that the two votes "were well protected with advanced mechanisms and there is no reason to distrust their results," but he also pointed out that "foreign countries are undoubtedly trying to influence candidates in Canada."

The rapporteur explained that he is not in a position to reveal the reasons for his recommendation publicly, confirming that the information leading to this conclusion came from confidential sources.

The rapporteur confirmed that there are "serious gaps" in the way Canadian security agencies handle intelligence information, adding that "foreign interference poses a real and increasing threat and more efforts must be made to detect this interference and prevent it better."

He continued that "there is no need for a separate and official public investigation" as demanded by the opposition parties, but public hearings will be held "as soon as possible" on this subject, although the rapporteur did not mention any situations proving that ministers or the Prime Minister or their offices ignored, deliberately or unintentionally, the intelligence agencies' recommendations regarding the alleged foreign interference.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded by saying

that foreign interference is not limited to elections, adding "it targets all aspects of society, our research institutes, universities, companies, and most importantly the diverse communities that enrich our country."

Trudeau affirmed, "We will never tolerate foreign interference," and the leaders of the three opposition parties, including New Democratic Party leader (left) Jagmeet Singh, again called for a public investigation "to restore confidence in our electoral system."

Trudeau appointed Johnston in March while his government was under pressure to clarify its position regarding leaks from the country's intelligence agencies about alleged interference attempts by Beijing, Ottawa's second largest trading partner.

Canadian media published this information in a series of articles particularly related to secret funding or involvement in the campaigns of some candidates.

Relations between China and Canada are witnessing new tension as Beijing expelled a Canadian diplomat in response to Ottawa's decision to expel a Chinese diplomat suspected of involvement in intimidating a member of parliament.