Canada, supported by its allies, called on China to release two Canadians who have been detained in what is widely seen as retaliation for Canada’s arrest of a top Chinese tech executive, pending extradition to the United States.
“We are deeply concerned by the arbitrary detention by Chinese authorities of two Canadians earlier this month and call for their immediate release,” Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said on Friday, according to Associated Press.
A senior Canadian official said China’s ambassador to the country was called, also on Friday, and informed of Canada’s demand, AP reported.
Friday’s action was Canada’s first formal demand for the release of its two citizens. The demand marks an escalation from Ottawa, which has thus far remained mum – an approach which has earned Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau criticism from the opposition.
The EU, UK and US also issued statements in support of Canada’s stance.
There was no immediate response from Beijing.
Undiplomatic tit-for-tat
On December 1, Meng Wanzhou, the chief financial officer of telco Huawei – arguably, China’s flagship company – was arrested in Canada at the request of the United States. Washington seeks her extradition to face charges that she and her company misled banks about Huawei’s business dealings with Iran, which the US sanctions.
Nine days later, Beijing detained two Canadians expatriates in China: analyst Michael Kovrig and self-employed Michael Spavor, who engages in consulting on North Korea. They were accused of “activities that endanger the national security” of China.
Freeland said that that Canada was honoring its extradition treaty with the United States and that it was conducting a fair and transparent due process with regard to Meng’s case. Meng, after a process attended by lawyers, has been released on bail, pending further proceedings, and is reportedly residing at her luxury home in Vancouver.
Meanwhile, according to the Washington Post, Kovrig is being detained in a cell with 24/7 lighting, and has been denied access to a lawyer. There is no information on Spavor, though both he and Kovrig have been visited by a Canadian consul.
Western allies raises voices
With the situation now in its third week, Canada’s allies have stepped into the breach.
The EU issued a statement reading, “The declared motive for the arrest and detention of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, both Canadian nationals, raises concerns about legitimate research and business practices in China.”
UK Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said in a statement that he is “deeply concerned” that Beijing may have detained the two Canadians for political reasons.
US State Department spokesman Robert Palladino reiterated that Canada is honoring its extradition treaty commitments. “We also express our deep concern for the Chinese Government’s detention of two Canadians earlier this month and call for their immediate release,” US State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said.
The detention issue has arisen at a time of high tensions between Beijing and Washington, which are engaged in an undeclared trade war.
It’s interesting that Canada has consistently opposed the extraterritoral application of United States Sanctions:
Quote:
Brittany Venhola-Fletcher of Global Affairs Canada told CBC News the sanction constitutes interference with a Canadian business transaction.
"Canada has consistently opposed the extraterritorial application of United States sanctions, which interfere with the right of Canadian companies to conduct their business in a manner consistent with international trade practice and the laws of Canada."
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/cuba-trudeau-honda-embassy-1.4165416
It’s interesting that Canada has consistently opposed the extraterritoral application of United States Sanctions:
Quote:
Brittany Venhola-Fletcher of Global Affairs Canada told CBC News the sanction constitutes interference with a Canadian business transaction.
"Canada has consistently opposed the extraterritorial application of United States sanctions, which interfere with the right of Canadian companies to conduct their business in a manner consistent with international trade practice and the laws of Canada."
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/cuba-trudeau-honda-embassy-1.4165416
That’s banditry law.
That’s banditry law.
When Canada acts like the lapdog of the US ….. no one cares
When Canada acts like the lapdog of the US ….. no one cares
Canada and US say they follow their laws. China is following its law.
Canada and US say they follow their laws. China is following its law.
State sponsored kidnapping by a lawless regime!
State sponsored kidnapping by a lawless regime!
The Canadian government has now started taking advice on international relations from the U.S. They’ll call a detention "arbitrary" when Kovrig, according to several news sources, was working for an illegal NGO within China at the time of his arrest. Apparently when China enforces its clearly stated laws, it’s an "arbitrary" arrest because supposedly Canadians should never be arrested for crimes they commit abroad?
The Canadian government has now started taking advice on international relations from the U.S. They’ll call a detention "arbitrary" when Kovrig, according to several news sources, was working for an illegal NGO within China at the time of his arrest. Apparently when China enforces its clearly stated laws, it’s an "arbitrary" arrest because supposedly Canadians should never be arrested for crimes they commit abroad?
Bejing`s answer should be. Sure you release our hostage and we will release yours.
Bejing`s answer should be. Sure you release our hostage and we will release yours.
"Canada is honoring its extradition treaty commitments" at the dog-whistle command of another nation, the US.
China is honoring its national security commitments to protect the Chinese people – an even greater commitment because every government is the guardian of its own people’s security.
"Canada is honoring its extradition treaty commitments" at the dog-whistle command of another nation, the US.
China is honoring its national security commitments to protect the Chinese people – an even greater commitment because every government is the guardian of its own people’s security.
let the law takes its course. These two fellows have endangered the security of the country.
let the law takes its course. These two fellows have endangered the security of the country.
" In what looks like a concerted action, Canada, with support from Western allies, ups ante and calls China to task over detained Canadians "
The hyenas are at the city gate again. Its a replay of the 8 nation allied forces that stormed and ransacked beijing in 1900. But this time, china is sticking a big middle finger into their faces. Long live the revolution!
" In what looks like a concerted action, Canada, with support from Western allies, ups ante and calls China to task over detained Canadians "
The hyenas are at the city gate again. Its a replay of the 8 nation allied forces that stormed and ransacked beijing in 1900. But this time, china is sticking a big middle finger into their faces. Long live the revolution!