[By Observer Net, Zhang Jingjuan] Canadian ferry operator BC Ferries recently ordered a Chinese shipyard, which has drawn public opposition from many Canadian politicians.

According to a recent report by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), last Friday, Canadian federal Minister of Transport Freeland strongly criticized BC Ferries and the British Columbia provincial government where the company is located, adding new uncertainty to the collaboration.

Freeland claimed that in the context of China imposing unfair tariffs on Canada and the Canadian government trying to promote its domestic shipbuilding industry, BC Ferries' decision to build four large passenger ferries at a Chinese shipyard shocked and disappointed her.

In a letter to Mike Farnworth, the transportation minister of British Columbia, Freeland wrote: "I am disappointed that BC Ferries chose a Chinese shipyard to build new ferries under the current geopolitical circumstances. I request you to verify and confirm that no federal funds will be used to support the purchase of these new ferries."

She said that the annual 37.8 million CAD subsidy, 308 million CAD post-pandemic funding, and loans from the Canada Infrastructure Bank must not be used for this Chinese cooperation.

The federal transport minister also questioned the so-called "Chinese cybersecurity issues," asking whether BC Ferries and the British Columbia government had conducted national security assessments before signing the contract with the Chinese shipyard this month.

In 2022, Canada banned Huawei and ZTE from participating in its 5G construction citing "national security." In response, the spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Canada pointed out that the Chinese government has always required Chinese enterprises to conduct foreign economic cooperation in accordance with international rules and local laws. Huawei and ZTE have always maintained a good record of cybersecurity. The Canadian side decided to exclude relevant Chinese companies from the Canadian market without any solid evidence, severely expanding the concept of national security, violating principles of market economy and free trade, and damaging the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises. The Canadian side claims it consulted its allies about the decision, but in reality, it aims to cooperate with the United States to suppress Chinese enterprises. The so-called "security" concerns of the Canadian side are nothing more than a political maneuvering pretext.

Concept drawing of new ferries BC Ferries official website

Responding to Freeland's questions, BC Ferries defended its decision, stating that Canadian companies have already ordered 100 ships from Chinese shipyards over the past decade.

The company stated in a statement, "Safety is the top priority. That is why we have been in contact with the Canadian Department of Transportation since the contract was signed, and since May, we have been in contact with the Canadian Department of Public Safety, and will continue to cooperate with them to seek their opinions on safety and security issues throughout the project."

The statement said that sensitive systems will be procured separately and independently certified before the vessels are put into operation. The company plans to procure IT network equipment domestically and have its own staff install it.

Freeland said she was surprised that BC Ferries did not require an appropriate proportion of "Canadian content" or the participation of the domestic maritime industry in the procurement.

BC Ferries responded that no Canadian shipyards participated in the bidding.

The report said that the British Columbia provincial government initially tried to conceal Freeland's letter, possibly to avoid embarrassment from being publicly condemned by the Canadian federal government for failing to intervene in BC Ferries' ferry transaction. However, after 24 hours, the provincial government was forced to release the letter.

BC Ferries passenger ferry Canadian media

At the beginning of this month (June 10), BC Ferries disclosed on its official website that it had selected China Merchants Industry Group Weihai Shipyard Co., Ltd. (CMI Weihai) to build four large passenger ferries for its fleet. The new ferries will replace four aging vessels, and are expected to be put into service between 2029 and 2031.

Despite some Canadian politicians promoting clichés such as "unfair trade" and "economic security," BC Ferries clearly stated in its statement that this decision went through a "strict and independent" global bidding process and was a "wise" choice.

Meanwhile, Canadian industry experts also supported BC Ferries' decision. A business leader in the country said choosing a Chinese shipyard was a "very wise" decision, in the best interest of the company's customers.

This article is an exclusive article by Observer Net. Without permission, it cannot be reprinted.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7519350178508292647/

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