Led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Canada marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations with China by punishing Beijing for its practice of “coercive diplomacy.”
During a press interaction, Trudeau said that Canada “will remain fully committed to working with our allies to ensure that China’s coercive diplomacy approach, its arbitrary detention of two Canadian citizens along with other citizens of other countries around the world, is not considered a successful tactic for them. ”
According to local media reports, Trudeau also expressed concern about the protection of human rights in Hong Kong, as well as that of the Uighur minority in China.
Two Canadians, including a former diplomat, remain in prison in China, a retaliatory move after a top executive at Chinese telecoms giant Huawei was detained in Vancouver in late 2018 and faces trial and possible extradition to the United States. in a case related to bank fraud. .
Trudeau’s words were echoed by Canadian Foreign Minister François-Philippe Champagne. In a statement issued by Global Affairs Canada, he said: “It is unacceptable for a citizen to be arbitrarily detained. Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor must return home. This is something for which all Canadians are united. The use of coercive diplomacy causes Canada to reexamine its approach, with a focus on multilateral cooperation.
While Canada is framing a new Indo-Pacific policy in light of its deteriorating relations with China, Champagne also said that as a “Pacific nation,” its future links it to “peace, stability and prosperity in the region”. He also said that “Canada will work with partners to hold the Chinese government accountable for its international obligations” and that “the common future of Canada and China depends on the rule of law, respect for rights and freedoms, and people in all their capacities. diversity.. “
These statements come amid a chorus of criticism directed at China by Canadian leaders. At a recent event by a European think tank, Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan commented on how NATO needs to monitor Chinese activity, particularly in the South China Sea, and called him out for practicing “hostage diplomacy.”
Earlier this month, Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations, Bob Rae, said that the two Canadians detained by China “lived in terrible conditions”, adding: “This is something we will never forget.”
Recently, the Canadian ambassador to China allowed the two men virtual consular access, the first time Beijing has granted such permission since January this year.
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