Canada has protested the "arbitrary arrest" of two citizens in China. Canadian Foreign Minister Cynthia Freeland demanded from Beijing the immediate release of the two Canadians, who critics say are being used as a means of extradition by Huawei Finance chief Meng Wanzhou to the United States. The foreign ministry in Washington also intervened.
"Canada is a country governed by the rules of the law," said Freeland. Accordingly, the case against Meng Wanzhou was "fair, unbiased and transparent". The minister argued with the rule of law, which was "fundamental" for all free societies. She wanted to defend and maintain this "veteran of democracy".
Former diplomat Michael Kovrig and China-based business consultant Michael Spavor have been arrested in the People's Republic since the beginning of last week. They are accused of being involved in activities that "endanger national security". However, Ottawa rates the detentions as Chinese retaliation for the arrest of chief financial officer of Chinese telecom giant Huawei, Meng Wanzhou.
The daughter of Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei had been arrested in Canada at the request of the United States. She is accused by Washington of bank fraud in connection with sanctions violations against Iran. A court in Vancouver decided last week to release Meng on bail pending a decision to surrender her to the US.