China Says Canadian Citizen Being Punished for Working Illegally

There is clear consular communication between Canada and China, Spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a daily news briefing, Sputnik reported.

Earlier this month, Chinese authorities detained ex-diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor on charges of threatening national security.

Kovrig is a former Canadian diplomat who is currently working for the International Crisis Group in China. He was detained on 10 December. Spavor is the founder of a China-based company that carries out cultural exchanges with North Korea. He is reportedly acquainted with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

Ties between Canada and China soured after Huawei’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Meng Wanzhou, the daughter of its founder, was arrested in early December on suspicion of failing to comply with the US sanctions against Iran. She is facing extradition. The move was slammed by Beijing which called on Ottawa to release the official.

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