Detained Canadian in China probed for ‘harming state security’ after Huawei arrest
International Crisis Group worker detained for questioning by State Security Bureau
Beijing — Chinese authorities are questioning former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig, who was detained days after the arrest in Canada of a Chinese businesswoman, on suspicion of engaging in activities that harmed China’s national security. The state-run Beijing News said on Wednesday that Kovrig, who works for the International Crisis Group, had become the subject of an investigation by the Beijing State Security Bureau. He was detained after police in Canada arrested the chief financial officer of China’s Huawei Technologies on December 1 at the request of US authorities, infuriating Beijing.
The Canadian government has said it saw no explicit link to the Huawei case. “Canadian citizen Michael John Kovrig was on December 10 investigated in accordance with the law by the Beijing State Security Bureau on suspicion of engaging in activities that harm China’s state security,” the newspaper said in a brief report. The case is continuing to be investigated, it added without elabo...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.