China formally arrests two Canadians on state secrets charges

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China confirmed it has formally arrested two Canadians, who were detained last year, on state secrets charges.

Former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor “were arrested in accordance with the law,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told reporters on Thursday.

Kovrig was arrested on suspicion of spying on state secrets for foreign entities and other intelligence crimes, while Spavor was held on suspicion of stealing state secrets to foreign entities, the official added.

This comes as China demands the release of telecom giant Huawei's Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou, whose arrest has been allegedly linked to the detention of the two Canadians.