A former Canadian diplomat has been detained in China, two sources said on Tuesday, and his current employer, the International Crisis Group, said it was seeking his prompt and safe release.
Michael Kovrig's detention comes after police in Canada arrested the chief financial officer of China's Huawei Technologies Co Ltd [HWT.UL] on Dec. 1 at the request of U.S. authorities, a move that has infuriated Beijing.
"International Crisis Group is aware of reports that its North East Asia Senior Adviser, Michael Kovrig, has been detained in China," the think-tank said in a statement.
China's Foreign Ministry and Ministry of Public Security did not respond immediately to questions faxed about Kovrig's detention.
Following Meng's arrest, China on Saturday summoned Canada's ambassador in Beijing and warned of severe "Consequences" if Ottawa did not see that she was immediately released.
Chinese experts have said that Beijing was trying to separate Meng's arrest from the trade negotiations, but also warned that public anger in China over Canada's move could compel officials there to take measures that would further sour U.S.-China ties and endanger talks.
In 2014, a Canadian couple, Kevin and Julia Garratt, were detained a week after Canada accused China of hacking into the national computer system.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-icg-idUSKBN1OA1EB
Michael Kovrig's detention comes after police in Canada arrested the chief financial officer of China's Huawei Technologies Co Ltd [HWT.UL] on Dec. 1 at the request of U.S. authorities, a move that has infuriated Beijing.
"International Crisis Group is aware of reports that its North East Asia Senior Adviser, Michael Kovrig, has been detained in China," the think-tank said in a statement.
China's Foreign Ministry and Ministry of Public Security did not respond immediately to questions faxed about Kovrig's detention.
Following Meng's arrest, China on Saturday summoned Canada's ambassador in Beijing and warned of severe "Consequences" if Ottawa did not see that she was immediately released.
Chinese experts have said that Beijing was trying to separate Meng's arrest from the trade negotiations, but also warned that public anger in China over Canada's move could compel officials there to take measures that would further sour U.S.-China ties and endanger talks.
In 2014, a Canadian couple, Kevin and Julia Garratt, were detained a week after Canada accused China of hacking into the national computer system.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-icg-idUSKBN1OA1EB
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