Canada Accuses China of Election Interference via WeChat Disinformation

Canada has accused a popular WeChat account of spreading disinformation targeting Prime Minister Mark Carney in an alleged effort to influence the upcoming April 28 federal election. According to the Privy Council Office, the account, Youli-Youmian, is promoting false narratives to Chinese-speaking audiences in Canada in a coordinated and inauthentic manner.

Intelligence reports cited by Ottawa link the account to the Chinese Communist Party, accusing it of attempting to manipulate ethnic Chinese voters by questioning Carney’s experience and leadership credentials. Despite the campaign, officials say the effort is unlikely to impact the election outcome.

This is not the first time Youli-Youmian has come under scrutiny; the account also engaged in malign activities against Canadian politicians in June 2023 and January 2025. Canada plans to raise the issue directly with Tencent, WeChat’s parent company.

China's embassy in Ottawa rejected the accusations, calling them “absurd and unjustified,” and reiterated China’s stance of non-interference in other nations' internal affairs. China has previously denied similar claims of electoral meddling.

The issue emerges at a sensitive time, with the Liberal Party selecting Carney to succeed unpopular former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. This, combined with U.S. tariffs on Canadian exports, has intensified the political race, giving the Conservative Party a stronger footing.

Ethnic Chinese voters, who make up 4.7% of the population according to the 2021 census, are considered a key demographic in cities like Vancouver and Toronto. Ottawa has previously warned that China may attempt to interfere in the election, as relations between the two countries remain strained.

The incident highlights growing concerns over foreign influence through digital platforms in Western democracies ahead of major elections.