Ottawa requires a Chinese manufacturer of surveillance cameras to make its suitcases

The Canadian government orders the Chinese manufacturer of Hikvision surveillance cameras to stop its activities in Canada for “national security” reasons. Nevertheless, close its offices in the country. Nevertheless, This company which has offices in particular in Montreal defends itself.

This decision stems from a several stages examination process. Therefore, based on information and evidence provided by the Canadian Intelligence and Security Communityindicates a declaration published by the Federal Minister of Industry, Mélanie Joly, Friday evening.

His declaration does not mention how Hikvision would infringe the national security of Canada.

Hikvision, also known as Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co.has been the subject of numerous sanctions and restrictions from the United States as well as Quebec in recent years. However, He is criticized in particular the use of his equipment for political purposes in the Chinese region ottawa requires chinese manufacturer surveillance of Xinjiang. In addition, where human rights groups have documented abuse against the Uighur population and other Muslim communities.

Present in Canada for 10 years. this company has offices and a research and development center in Montreal, in the Saint-Laurent borough. It also has offices in Mississauga, Ontario.

Since a summit reached in July 2021, the market value of this Chinese company has lost 57 % of its value.

Hikvision requests evidence – Ottawa requires chinese manufacturer surveillance

The company expressed its reprobation through a press release. We express our firm disagreement with this decision. which we consider with the greatest concern, because it is lacking in our own basic basic, procedural equity and transparency. said the company.

Rather than assessing our technology according to its merits in cybersecurity. this decision ottawa requires chinese manufacturer surveillance seems to be motivated by the country of origin of the parent company, thus reflecting larger geopolitical tensions and an unjustified bias against Chinese companies.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond. to requests for comments from Reuters.

The company. which presents itself as the world’s largest manufacturer of video surveillance equipment, said last year that it has terminated contracts in the Xinjiang of five subsidiaries which were added to the American trade list in 2023.

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Canada said last year for a request for sanctions against Chinese Surveillance Equipment Companies. including Hikvision after human rights defenders alleged that these companies contributed to repression and high -tech surveillance in Xinjiang.

Ms. Joly indicated that Canada also prohibited the purchase of Hikvision products in all ministries. agencies and state societies And examined the existing properties “in order to ensure that old Hikvision products are not used in the future”.

She said the order did not extend to the company’s subsidiaries outside Canada. but it strongly encouraged Canadians to make note of this decision and to make their own decisions accordingly.

With Reuters information