On Monday, we told you that Senior Counsel Godfrey Smith's visa had been revoked by the U.S. Embassy. He concluded that this action was taken because he has been actively recruiting influential figures to visit China on educational tours.
So what does the PM think about the actions taken against his former political colleague? Here's what he said:
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"Well, I was not aware that Godfrey Smith is China's man, so..."
Courtney Menzies:
"That's what he says."
John Briceno:
"Well, if he says so, he says so, but I can't tell you-I was not aware of it, so I need to start with that. But like in everything, when we apply to a visa, it is because we want to go and visit a country; we are guests in their country, and that country can decide whether or not they want you to go there as a guest, if they want you to visit their country or not. And is that is solely in the hands of the United States government as to whether they want to give a visa to anyone, including Godfrey Smith."
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