Ottawa, Canada — China’s Ambassador to Canada, Lu Shaye, has accused Canada of “double standards” in the ongoing diplomatic conflict surrounding the arrest of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou. Meng was arrested in Canada on December 1, 2018, at the request of the United States, which seeks her extradition on charges related to misleading multinational banks over Iran-linked transactions, potentially violating US sanctions.
Lu Shaye criticized Canada’s response to Meng’s arrest, claiming that Canada had disregarded Chinese sovereignty and accused the West of practicing “egotism and white supremacy.” He stated that Canadian demands for the release of two detained Canadians, Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig, reflected these double standards, where Western laws are prioritized while Chinese laws are disregarded.
Beijing responded to Meng’s arrest by detaining Spavor and Kovrig, both of whom are facing accusations of endangering Chinese national security. While Meng has been granted bail and has access to legal counsel and family visits, Spavor and Kovrig have been denied similar rights, fueling further tensions between Canada and China.
The United States accuses Meng of misleading banks about transactions involving Iran, while China has suggested that the detentions of Spavor and Kovrig are linked to the arrest of Meng, though no direct connection has been officially acknowledged. The row continues to strain diplomatic relations as both sides assert their positions on legal and humanitarian concerns.
