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Trudeau 'very concerned' over third Canadian detained in China Third detained Canadian's case separate from previous two: officials
(about 20 hours later)
Canadian PM Justin Trudeau has said he is "very concerned" about a third Canadian detained in China. Chinese officials have confirmed a third Canadian was being held for "unlawfully working in China".
The latest detention comes amid a growing dispute between both countries following the arrest of a senior Chinese telecom executive earlier this month. Foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said that Sarah McIver's case is different from that of two other recently detained Canadians.
Officials say they do not believe this case is linked to that of two other Canadians recently held in China. Her detention came amid a dispute between both countries following the arrest of a senior Chinese telecom executive earlier this month.
Canada says it is currently seeking more details on the detention. Ms Hua said both countries are maintaining consular communication.
Former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor were both taken into custody in China shortly after the arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou, at the request of the US, in Vancouver on 1 December. Canada's National Post newspaper reported that sources told them that Ms McIver had been working at a school in China when she was detained, apparently due to issues with her work visa.
Mr Trudeau said on Wednesday that "we suspect the case is very different from the first two cases", referring to the circumstances surrounding Mr Kovrig and Mr Spavor's detention. Ms Hua said she was "serving administrative punishment due to illegal employment".
"We are still very much in the situation of collecting more information on this," he said, suggesting the third Canadian was detained on more "routine" issues. Former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor were both taken into custody in China shortly after the arrest of Huawei chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou, at the request of the US, in Vancouver on 1 December.
Mr Kovrig and Mr Spavor are being held on accusations of harming national security. Canadian diplomats were granted consular access to both men last week.Mr Kovrig and Mr Spavor are being held on accusations of harming national security. Canadian diplomats were granted consular access to both men last week.
China has denied that the detention of Mr Kovrig and Mr Spavor is tied to Ms Meng's arrest, but many analysts believe it was a tit-for-tat action. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said he was "very concerned" about the third detained citizen but noted Canada believed her case was different from Mr Kovrig's and Mr Spavor's.
China has denied the detention of both men is tied to Ms Meng's arrest, but many analysts believe it was a tit-for-tat action.
Beijing had threatened unspecified consequences if Ms Meng was not released.Beijing had threatened unspecified consequences if Ms Meng was not released.
Canadian officials have offered no further information on the third individual detained, citing privacy laws. Consular officials are providing assistance to the individual's family. Ms Meng has been granted bail but may face extradition to the US on charges of violating American sanctions on Iran through Huawei's business dealings. She denies the allegations.
Ms Meng has been granted bail but may face extradition to the US on charges of violating American sanctions on Iran through Huawei's business dealings. She denies the allegations.