Federal Court Bars Chinese Student, Saying ‘What Constitutes Espionage’ Must Evolve

A broad definition of “espionage” must be applied to protect Canada’s interests as hostile states use non-conventional tactics, a federal court judge has ruled in dismissing the application of a Chinese student who wanted to attend a Canadian university. Chief Justice Paul Crampton, in a Dec. 22 decision, ruled that an immigration officer was right in finding Yuekang Li inadmissible to Canada due to espionage concerns. “As hostile state actors increasingly make use of non-traditional methods to obtain sensitive information in Canada or abroad, contrary to Canada’s interests, the Court’s appreciation of what constitutes ‘espionage’ must evolve,” wrote Justice Crampton....