In a move which is likely to further strain the diplomatic relation between China and Canada, the Chinese authorities have detained another Canadian Michael Spavor on the suspicion of ‘activities that endangered China’s national security.’
This comes days after the Chinese authorities detained Canadian national Michael Kovrig on similar suspicions.
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According to CNN, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday confirmed that Canadian nationals Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig are being investigated.
Spavor is the founder of the Paektu Cultural Exchange, a company that helps facilitate trips to North Korea.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang stated that the authorities had taken ‘compulsory measures’ on the two men on Monday. He further revealed that investigation in both the cases is underway.
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Lu said, “As far as I know, Beijing State Security Bureau and Liaoning State Security Department notified the Canadian Embassy separately, and the two persons’ legal rights and interests have been guaranteed.”
The two arrests come after Canada detained Huawei Chief Executive Officer Meng Wanzhou.
The detaining of the Canadian nationals is seen as an act of retaliation and might fuel the ongoing diplomatic crisis between Washington, Beijing and Ottawa.
(ANI)