Canadian Prime Minister Rejects Prisoner Swap Proposal Involving Detained Nationals and Huawei Vice Chairman

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Sunmi Park] Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau drew a clear line, stating that he will not release Meng Wanzhou, Huawei's Vice Chairwoman, in exchange for the repatriation of two Canadian citizens detained in China.

According to the AP News and others on the 25th (local time), Prime Minister Trudeau dismissed the possibility of a swap between the two Canadians detained in China and Meng.

Trudeau explained, "(A swap) would set a bad precedent for Canada and harm the country," adding, "It could put millions of Canadians traveling abroad every year at risk. We cannot allow political pressure or arbitrary arrests against Canadian citizens to influence the Canadian judicial system."

The Canadian Prime Minister's remarks came amid speculation that the Canadian government might attempt a prisoner exchange with Meng following the Chinese government's indictment of former diplomat Michael Kovrig and North Korea businessman Michael Spavor on espionage charges after 18 months of detention.

Earlier, in December 2018, the Chinese government arrested and detained Canadians Kovrig and Spavor on national security charges. Meng was arrested by Canadian authorities at the request of the United States, and the fact that the two Canadians were detained just nine days after her arrest led to widespread criticism that China was retaliating against Canada. Furthermore, on the 19th, after 18 months of detention, China formally charged them with espionage.

The Chinese government claims that the arrest of the two Canadians on espionage charges is unrelated to Meng's case, but Trudeau emphasized that the detention of the two and Meng's arrest are clearly connected and is leaning toward the possibility of retaliation.

Trudeau dismissed the possibility of Meng's release, stating, "We are very disappointed with what China has done. We will maintain a firm and unwavering stance regarding the Meng Wanzhou case," and stressed, "We will never tolerate China thinking it can get what it wants by arresting Canadians."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.