Prospects Dim for Imprisoned Canadians After Ministerial Meeting

Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor denied consular visits in move Canadian foreign ministry calls violation of Vienna Convention

A man holds a sign with photographs of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, who have been detained in China since December, 2018, as people gather for a rally in support of Hong Kong democracy, in Vancouver on Aug. 16, 2020. Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press

Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne met with China’s State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in Rome on Tuesday, raising hopes for the release of two imprisoned Canadians that were quickly dashed by a statement from Beijing.

Champagne reiterated that the immediate release of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor remains a top priority for the Government of Canada. Beijing has prevented Canadian officials from seeing the two men.