Canada lawmaker quits Justin Trudeau's party amid China allegations

A lawmaker said late Wednesday that he is stepping down from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal party after a media report raised questions about his dealings with China, a claim that comes amid an investigation into allegations of Chinese meddling in Canada's elections.

Member of Parliament Hang Dong said the report quoting anonymous sources was an attack on his reputation and his loyalty to Canada. He said he will leave the Liberals and sit in Parliament as an independent lawmaker to avoid causing problems for the party.

Global News, citing unidentified security sources, published a report Wednesday alleging Dong suggested to China's consul general in Toronto in 2021 that the opposition Conservative party would benefit if Beijing released two Canadians accused of espionage. Global did not give any direct quotes from the purported conversation.

Canadians Michael Kovrig, a former diplomat, and Michael Spavor, an entrepreneur, were arrested in China in December 2018 in what was