China demands release of Huawei executive arrested in Canada
China is demanding the release of a Huawei executive who was arrested in Canada.
Canadian law enforcement detained Huawei Technologies' chief financial officer, Meng Wanhzou, in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Dec. 1. Meng, the daughter of Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei, is facing extradition charges to the United States over accusations that she violated Iran sanctions.
China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called on both Canada and the U.S. to release Meng. In its statement, a Ministry spokesperson demanded that the two countries "effectively protect the legitimate rights and interests of the person concerned."
The Chinese embassy in Canada has also released a strongly worded statement.
“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. The Chinese side has lodged stern representations with the U.S. and Canadian side, and urged them to immediately correct the wrongdoing and restore the personal freedom of Ms. Meng Wanzhou. We will closely follow the development of the issue and take all measures to resolutely protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens.
Huawei’s relationship with the United States has long been rocky.
At the beginning of the year, the company’s planned entrance into the U.S. phone market was derailed. Wireless carriers such as AT&T and Verizon cancelled plans to sell Huawei phones due to pressure from U.S. government. Intelligence officials labeled the company as a national security threat, fearing its smartphones could be used by the Chinese government to spy on the U.S. Just this past August, Donald Trump signed a bill banning U.S. government agencies from buying smartphones and other products from the Chinese electronics manufacturer.
Huawei CFO Meng’s bail hearing is currently scheduled for Friday, Dec. 7.
