China lodges solemn representations over Canadian FM's irresponsible statement: embassy

OTTAWA - China has lodged solemn representations with Canada over the Canadian Foreign Ministry's irresponsible statement on the cases of two Canadians arrested in China, the Chinese Embassy said on Tuesday.

In a statement, the Chinese Embassy expressed its strong dissatisfaction of and firm opposition to the Canadian Foreign Ministry's statement on the cases of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor.

Canadian Foreign Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne issued a statement on Monday, claiming that Dec. 10 marks one year since Kovrig and Spavor were "arbitrarily detained."

The embassy said the two Canadians were arrested by competent Chinese authorities according to Chinese law for crimes against China's national security.

"There is no so-called 'arbitrarily detained.' China is a country under the rule of law," the statement said, adding that Chinese judicial departments have handled the cases in strict accordance with the law and protected the lawful rights of the Canadian citizens.

The Chinese side urges the Canadian side to respect the rule of law, respect China's judicial sovereignty and stop making irresponsible remarks, it said.

The statement also pointed out that what Canada and the United States did in the case of Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of Chinese technology company Huawei, counts as arbitrary detention and serious violation of the legitimate rights and interests of a Chinese citizen.

"China once again urges the Canadian side to correct its mistake and immediately release Ms. Meng Wanzhou, so that she can return to China safely," it said.

Meng was arrested on Dec 1, 2018 at Vancouver International Airport at the request of the United States, which is seeking her extradition on fraud charges. Both Meng and Huawei have repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.