Detained ex-Canadian diplomat gets consular visit in China

Michael Kovrig

Canadian diplomats have visited former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig for the second time since his arrest in China a month ago.

Canada’s Global Affairs department provided no further details on how Kovrig was being treated. He and entrepreneur Michael Spavor were detained on Dec. 10 on allegations of “engaging in activities that endanger the national security” of China.

The arrests came after a top Chinese Huawei executive was arrested in Canada on Dec. 1 at the request of the United States, which wants her extradited to face charges that she misled banks about the company’s business dealings in Iran. She is out on bail in Canada awaiting extradition proceedings.

In an op-ed Wednesday, China’s ambassador to Canada described the detentions of the Canadians as an “act of self-defense.”

Canada said it would continue to seek further access to Kovrig and Spavor.

“The Canadian government remains deeply concerned by the arbitrary detention by Chinese authorities of these two Canadians since last month and continues to call for their immediate release,” Global Affairs Canada said in a statement

Canada has embarked on a campaign with allies to win the release of the detained Canadians.

“Canada continues to express its appreciation to those who have spoken in support of these detained Canadians and the rule of law. This includes Australia, the EU, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, and, most recently, the Netherlands, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia,” Global Affairs said. Rob Gillies, Toronto, AP