Meng Wanzhou extradition a ‘serious political incident’, China tells Canada
- China ‘strongly opposes Canada’s insistence to proceed’, calls for Meng to be released ‘immediately’
- Analysts expect Beijing to step up pressure on Ottawa and raise case in trade negotiations with Washington
China has expressed its anger and disappointment at Canada’s decision to proceed with the extradition of Huawei executive Sabrina Meng Wanzhou, and called for her immediate release.
Analysts said they expected Beijing to step up pressure on Ottawa and raise the case in trade negotiations with Washington. But they said the extradition process would be complicated and could take months if Meng’s lawyers decided to appeal.
The foreign ministry in Beijing and the Chinese embassy in Ottawa both issued strongly worded statements after Canada’s announcement on Friday.
“China strongly opposes Canada’s insistence to proceed with the so-called extradition of Ms Meng Wanzhou, and it has made a solemn representation,” the ministry said in a statement released on Saturday morning.
“It is a serious political incident. We again urge the US to rescind its request for the extradition of Ms Meng and call for Canada to release her immediately.”
Ottawa’s decision came despite mounting pressure from China, which has included the detention of several Canadian citizens and a foreign ministry spokesman questioning the credibility of the North American nation’s government on Friday.