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[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs pressured the Canadian government, claiming that Meng Wanzhou, Huawei's Vice Chairwoman, is being held politically ahead of her sentencing date.

Meng, the daughter of Huawei's founder and Chief Financial Officer, was arrested by Canadian authorities in February 2018 at the request of the United States on charges of violating Iran sanctions. Meng is currently under house arrest and undergoing trial for extradition to the U.S. As her sentencing date (October 21) approaches, it appears that the Chinese government is actively working to "rescue Vice Chairwoman Meng."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to Chinese media including the state-run Xinhua News Agency on the 27th, Wang Wenbin, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a regular briefing held the previous day, "China will not allow its citizens to become victims of political persecution by other countries," and added, "The United States and Canada must immediately correct their mistakes and release Meng so that she can safely return to China."

Spokesperson Wang emphasized, "Meng, who has not violated Canadian law, has been detained for over 1,000 days," and stated, "Canada is an accomplice in the U.S.'s political persecution." He continued, "China will not accept any form of political intimidation or abuse of judicial power," urging Meng's release.

The Chinese Ambassador to Canada also expressed that the Chinese government is working for Meng's release and offered her comfort. Ambassador Cong Peiyu said in a phone call with Meng the previous day, "China continuously conveys its position to the Canadian government and is striving to secure her release as soon as possible." Ambassador Cong further emphasized, "The Chinese government will protect the legitimate rights and interests of its citizens and enterprises," and warned, "Attempts to suppress Chinese citizens will inevitably face strong retaliation."

The state-run Global Times reported that Meng's detention has strained China-Canada relations, casting a dark shadow not only over politics but also trade and business relations between the two countries.

The media outlet stated that 14.5 million people have participated in an online petition calling for Meng's release, and that a letter urging her release was sent to the Canadian Ambassador to China along with the petition. It added, "Despite demands from over 14 million people for her release, Canadian politicians have not responded," expressing dissatisfaction with the Canadian government.

The outlet pointed out that Meng's detention is causing the collapse of trade relations between China and Canada. It warned that Chinese companies importing Canadian products are considering a "Plan B," and that a black swan event (an entirely unexpected incident that could cause a crisis) could occur in bilateral trade relations.

The Global Times explained that in the first half of this year, trade between China and Canada reached 53.71 billion Canadian dollars, a 19.9% increase compared to the same period last year. It emphasized that China is Canada's second-largest trading partner.

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