Freeland thanks U.S. for support on Meng arrest
OTTAWA • Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland applauded Friday a bipartisan American political effort backing Canada in its fight with China over its detention of Huawei’s chief financial officer.
Freeland’s remarks came hours after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told a Beijing news conference his country would take “all necessary measures” to defend Chinese companies and citizens abroad against “deliberate political suppression.”
Meng is wanted in the U.S. on fraud-related charges in connection with violating sanctions on Iran — allegations China dismisses as a politically motivated attack.
The U.S. Senate foreignrelations committee introduced a measure this week that commends Canada for arresting Meng in Vancouver to fulfil an American extradition request.
The joint Republican and Democratic effort recognizes Canada for upholding the rule of law and expresses concern over actions by China in response to the U.S. request. It calls on China to release Canadians Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig, who were jailed by Beijing authorities following Meng’s arrest.
“Canada appreciates these bipartisan efforts in the U.S. Senate to pass a resolution echoing our call for the release of Mr. Spavor and Mr. Kovrig and recognizing Canada’s respect for the rule of law,” Freeland said.
Freeland also noted that Canada appreciates the support of Australia, the European Union, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Spain, the Czech Republic, Denmark, and NATO, “who have spoken in support of these detained Canadians and the rule of law.”
The Chinese ambassador to Canada has warned the Trudeau government not to court international support against it, saying that would only worsen tensions.
Meanwhile, a visibly angry Wang gave a defiant answer at a Beijing press conference about Huawei.
“Recent actions against specific Chinese enterprises and individuals are not simply judicial cases, but deliberate political suppression,” said China’s foreign minister.
“We also support companies and individuals using legal weapons to protect their rights and interests and not to be silent lambs,” he added.