Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he would look back on Canada-China relations as he prepares to establish a new government in the coming weeks.
During ~ Press conference On September 28, Trudeau was asked if Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor would take a tougher route in China and ban Huawei from 5G as they returned to Canada. The pair was arbitrarily detained by the Communist Party administration for nearly three years in what was widely regarded as “hostage diplomacy.”
“We must thank our allies and partners around the world for standing with us not only in Canada but around the world. Now we look back on our relationship with China and the world. We need to, including Huawei issues, “says Trudeau. “We will make that decision as we work on our next plan.”
Cobrig and Spaver, often referred to as “two Michaels,” were arrested on a U.S. warrant in December 2018, a few days after China arrested Huawei’s chief financial officer and daughter of the company’s founder, Meng Wanzhou. She was detained by the Chinese government on suspicion of espionage and was banished for banking and telegraph fraud.
The two men arrived in Canada on September 25, after Beijing released them on September 24, following an agreement with the United States that allowed Huawei executives to return to China on the same day.
Trudeau did not respond directly when asked why his free government remained unsuccessful in rescue. Hussein Seryl, Another Canadian citizen and Uighur human rights activist detained by Chinese authorities since 2006.
“in the case of [two Michaels]The challenge of their detention for political reasons has brought to life both Canada and public opinion around the world, and we have been able to prove that we are the rule of law. ” He said.
“We did not hesitate to apply the basic rules of the judicial system, the basic rules of its approach. We defend those who are mistakenly imprisoned all over the world. continue.”
Many other Canadians are still arbitrarily detained in China, including Sun Qian, a Falun Gong practitioner imprisoned for her faith.
Sun was arrested in Beijing in February 2017 and has been in custody ever since. On June 30, this year, she was sentenced to eight years in prison by a Beijing court for believing in Falun Gong. Falun Gong is a self-discipline practice that includes meditation and moral teaching based on the beliefs of truth, compassion, and tolerance.
In January, Sun reportedly abandoned Canadian citizenship and allegedly made a compulsory confession under long-term torture during police detention.
At a news conference, Trudeau said he had confirmed with Governor Mary Simon earlier that day that he would form the next government.
Chrystia Freeland will continue to serve as Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, he said. He will also appoint another minister in October and will resume parliamentary meetings by the end of the fall.
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Andrew is a Toronto-based reporter.