A top executive at Chinese tech giant Huawei is facing possible extradition to the United States - after being detained in Canada. China is demanding her release and an explanation for her arrest. CGTN's Jim Spellman has the details.

Meng Wanzhou, CFO of Chinese tech giant Huawei, has been detained in Canada as the United States hopes to extradite her on unspecified charges.

GENG SHUANG CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESMAN "China has made clear its solemn position separately to Canada and the United States, requesting them to immediately clarify the reasons for detention, immediately release the detainee and guarantee the legitimate rights and interests of the person concerned."

Meng was detained Saturday in Vancouver while changing planes. The American side has not released information on the case, but a U.S. senator says Meng allegedly violated U.S. sanctions against Iran.

In a statement China's embassy in Canada says: "At the request of the U.S. side, the Canadian side arrested a Chinese citizen not violating any American or Canadian law. The Chinese side firmly opposes and strongly protests over such kind of actions which seriously harmed the human rights of the victim."

In a statement posted to Twitter Huawei writes: "The company has been provided very little information regarding the charges and is not aware of any wrongdoing by Ms. Meng. Huawei complies with all applicable laws and regulations where it operates, including applicable export control and sanction laws and regulations of the UN, US and EU."

Huawei is one of the world's largest mobile phone manufacturers and is pioneering 5G mobile products, including a phone capable of piloting a car. But the U.S. and other countries have blocked the use of Huawei products citing security concerns. In China some see the push against Huawei as a way to limit competition.

LIANG YUJIE BEIJING RESIDENT "China's economy is becoming stronger and I think the U.S. may be unhappy, so they did something to harm China's interest, which I guess may be related to Meng's arrest."

JIM SPELLMAN WASHINGTON "Meng will appear in a Canadian court at a bail hearing Friday. According to the extradition treaty between the two countries, the U.S. side must present evidence that Meng broke the law for extradition to go forward. Meng has requested and been granted a publication ban in the case, which means it's not clear how much will be revealed at Friday's hearing. JSP, CGTN, Washington."