Beijing: Amid controversy over the arrest of an executive of Huawei, a Chinese technology company, Canada’s ambassador to China has been held captive for nearly two years. Met two citizens of the country.
The Canadian government said in a press release that Ambassador Dominic Barton met with former diplomat Michael Kovrig on Thursday and businessman Michael Spavor on November 10. The two have been held hostage since December 2018 after Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou was detained by Canada.
There is no information on where Canadian citizens are being held or in what condition they are. Canada has accused China of illegally arresting two of its nationals in a bid to pressure Meng’s release. Meng is being held in Vancouver, Canada.
Meng has also challenged the extradition order to the United States over allegations of violating business restrictions on Iran. China says Canada has no right to detain Meng and that Coverig and Spawor were detained on suspicion of national security crimes. China has sentenced two other Canadians to death. It also banned the import of canola to put pressure on Canada.
