China confirmed on Thursday that two Canadian nationals are being investigated on suspicion of "engaging in activities that endangered China's national security" as tensions rose between Beijing and Ottawa over the arrest of a top Chinese telecom executive in Canada.
Canadian business consultant Michael Spavor is being investigated in northeast China's Liaoning Province, and former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig is being questioned by authorities in Beijing, according to China's Foreign Ministry.
"Their cases are under investigation now, and the two security authorities have notified the Canadian Embassy in China about this," said Lu Kang, spokesperson for the ministry at a regular press conference.
"We confirmed that the Chinese security officials investigated the two Canadians in accordance with Chinese laws and regulations and the legal rights and interests of the two Canadians are protected," Lu added.
Both the Canadian nationals were placed under investigation on Monday, the ministry confirmed.
The two cases also ratchet up pressure on Canada, which is holding Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou, who is wanted by the United States.
Former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig. /VCG Photo
The U.S. is seeking extradition of the Chinese national, who was arrested in Vancouver on December 1, over charges that her company did business with Iran in violation of U.S. sanctions. Meng and Huawei have denied any wrongdoing and are fighting a legal battle in a Canadian court.
Amid heightened tensions between Beijing and Ottawa and security concerns among Canadian expats living in China following the arrests of Kovrig and Spavor, the Chinese Foreign Ministry sought to reassure the safety of foreigners working and living in China, including those from Canada.
Lu stressed that China is open to interacting with people from other countries. "We welcome foreigners traveling in China, participating in friendly exchanges and activities, including operating companies and studying in China," he said, adding that "as long as foreigners in China abide by Chinese laws and regulations, there is nothing to worry about."
The latest figures show 780,000 Canadians traveled to China between January and November this year. The Canadians know whether China is safe or not, Lu said.
On the contrary, "an increasing number of Chinese citizens have become concerned whether it is safe to visit Canada after the wrongful arrest of Huawei CFO by the Canadian government on U.S. request," the foreign ministry spokesperson added.
"We think it is wrong for Canada to arrest Meng and we have urged the Canadian government to correct this erroneous action and release Meng immediately," Lu reiterated.
(Abhishek G. Bhaya contributed to this story.)