CHINA-CANADA: FORMER CANADIAN DIPLOMAT DETAINED IN CHINA

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Hao said at the regular press briefing on December 13 that "two Canadian citizens have been subject to compulsory measures by the Chinese side because they are suspected of engaging in activities that endanger China's national security". She said Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor "are suspected of engaging in activities that endanger the national security of the People's Republic of China." 

(Comment:  The Chinese action as a reaction to Sabrina Meng Wazhou's arrest in Canada and attempt to apply pressure on Canada to not allow her extradition to the US. To reinforce this message, China on December 12 arrested another Canadian citizen, Michael Spavor, also on grounds of endangering national security. Michael Spavor's company brings tourists and hockey players into North Korea. Interestingly, though both individuals are working with organisations registered as NGOs and though these are not registered with Chinese authorities, they have not been charged with violating laws governing NGOs but the more serious National Security laws. The charges are serious as seen by the fact that the arresting agency is the Ministry of State Security as distinct from the Ministry of Public Security. China's actions also highlight the importance of Huawei to the Chinese leadership. Michael Kovrig, the former Canadian diplomat is presently employed by the ICG.)






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