Canadian Michael Spavor, a friend of North Korea, may be detained in China
Spavor is being investigated on suspicion of endangering state security, Chinese state media reports
Seoul/Ottowa — Canadian Michael Spavor has jet skied with Kim Jong-un, felt the ground shake from a North Korean nuclear test, and now, it appears, been detained by Chinese authorities. Spavor, a business consultant with deep ties to North Korea, is being investigated on suspicion of endangering state security, Chinese state media reported. The Canadian government says it has been unable to contact him and phone calls, messages and e-mails to Spavor went unanswered on Thursday. When North Korean leader Kim launched a bid to engage the world and attract international investment this year, Spavor was uniquely positioned to play a role. As one of the few Westerners with personal ties to the North Korea government and Kim himself, Spavor has been trying to drum up international interest in investing in North Korean economic projects, in anticipation of sanctions being eased amid warming ties. Spavor is best known in the region for his relationship with Kim, and his role in facilitating ...
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