Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed on Thursday that a Canadian citizen, named Sarah McIver, has been taken into "administrative detention" for "working illegally" in China. 

"The Canadian citizen is on administrative penalty by public security organization for illegal employment," said Hua Chunying, a spokesperson for the ministry, at a regular press conference.  

China and Canada are holding "smooth" consular communication on the matter, Hua noted.

Two other Canadian nationals, Michael John Kovrig and Michael Spavor have been detained in China last week on suspicion of "engaging in activities that endangered China's national security".

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China confirms two Canadians suspected of endangering national security