China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the two detained Canadian citizens, namely Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, have been formally arrested by Chinese authorities.

Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang confirmed the arrests at Thursday's daily briefing, saying the arrests were approved by law and were made "recently."

According to Lu, Kovrig was arrested on charges of gathering state secrets and intelligence, and Spavor on charges of stealing secrets and illegally providing them to overseas forces.

The measures were in accordance with the law, Lu said, noting that their legitimate rights, including having lawyers, will be fully protected, and Beijing hoped Canada "will not make irresponsible remarks" about law enforcement and judicial proceedings in China.

In March, China accused the two of involvement in stealing state secrets.