Former Canadian diplomat arrested in China
Michael Kovrig, who had worked as a diplomat in China for over 10 years, was arrested after Canada detained the head of Huawei.
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Michael Kovrig, an expert at the International Crisis Group. Photo: CNBC |
"The International Crisis Group (ICG) has received information that senior advisor on Northeast Asia Michael Kovrig has been detained in China," the ICG said in a statement, according to Reuters. "We are doing everything we can to obtain further information on Michael's whereabouts and to ensure his swift and safe release."
Kovrig is fluent in Mandarin Chinese. From 2003 to 2016, he served as a Canadian diplomat in Beijing and Hong Kong. He has been a full-time specialist for the ICG since February 2017.
The reason for Kovrig's arrest is currently unclear. The Chinese Foreign Ministry and the Ministry of Public Security have not responded to inquiries about the incident. The Canadian Embassy in Beijing declined to comment.
The arrest of Michael Kovrig comes after Canada arrested Huawei's chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, on December 1st at the request of the United States. This move angered Beijing, which warned of consequences if Canada did not release her.
It is unclear whether the two cases are related, but the arrest of Ms. Meng has raised concerns that China may retaliate by targeting the foreign business community in the country.
