China confirms second Canadian Michael Spavor under investigation for allegedly endangering national security
- Canada says it is trying to ascertain whereabouts of businessman and will continue to raise matter with Chinese government
- Former diplomat Michael Kovrig was also detained on Monday
A report by the Liaoning government’s official online news outlet on Thursday said Michael Spavor – a businessman based in the Chinese city of Dandong with connections to North Korea – was detained on Monday in an investigation by the provincial state security bureau.
The investigation was related to “activities that endanger China’s national security”, the report said.
On Monday, former diplomat Michael Kovrig was also detained, by the Beijing state security bureau, and faces the same accusation. Kovrig is a senior adviser for Northeast Asia with the International Crisis Group.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said the Canadian embassy in China had been notified of both cases, and the legitimate rights of Kovrig and Spavor had been protected.
“China is taking action in accordance with the law,” Lu said in a daily press briefing on Thursday.