OTTAWA – The Canadian government is considering increasing the risk level for nationals travelling to China amid increasing tensions over the Huawei executive arrest, local media reported on Tuesday.
Canadian security services arrested Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou on Dec. 1 at the request of the United States, a move that has infuriated Beijing.
Former Canadian diplomat turned international businessman Michael Kovrig has been detained in China, reports emerging on Tuesday said.
There is no formal confirmation that Kovrig’s detention is tied to Chinese frustrations over Meng’s arrest, but the Dec. 1 incident has ignited fears of backlash from Beijing against Canadian business in China.
Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale says Canadian officials have been in contact with their Chinese counterparts to express “deep concerns” over detainment of Kovrig, saying that Global Affairs Canada “will be taking all appropriate action”.
(c) Breaking911 – Eli Ridder
