Question: On August 11, the US issued a statement on the sentencing of Michael Spavor, condemning China’s “arbitrary detentions” of Canadian citizens Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig and the lack of transparency surrounding their legal proceedings. It also called for the Chinese side to release them immediately and unconditionally. Do you have any comment?

Answer: China is a country ruled by law. China's judicial authorities handle cases in accordance with law. The two Canadians were suspected of endangering China’s national security and were arrested, prosecuted and tried in accordance with law. Their legal rights have been guaranteed throughout the process. The US side making reckless and irresponsible comments on China’s lawful handling of the cases is a gross interference in China's judicial sovereignty. We firmly oppose and do not accept it.

The US accusation of China’s “arbitrary detentions” on the above cases is fact-distorting. In fact, the arrest of Ms. Meng Wanzhou is a typical case of arbitrary detention. Ms. Meng has never violated any Canadian law, but has been detained by Canada until today. The Canadian side is acting openly as an accomplice to the United States, and this is exactly a textbook example of arbitrary detention for “exercising leverage over a foreign government”. We urge the US to respect the rule of law and China’s judicial sovereignty, and unconditionally revoke Ms. Meng’s extradition.