China Denies That Detained Canadian Has Diplomatic Immunity

Former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig, being held in China on suspicion of endangering national security, is not entitled to diplomatic immunity, China’s foreign ministry said on Jan. 14. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Jan. 11 chastised China over the detention of two Canadians following the arrest of a senior Chinese executive at the request of the United States. Trudeau also accused China of “not respecting the principles of diplomatic immunity” in one of the cases. Asked about Trudeau’s comments, China’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said that the “relevant Canadian person” should “earnestly study” the Vienna Convention before speaking, so as to “not become a laughing stock”.

Michael Kovrig, an adviser with the International Crisis Group, a Brussels-based non-governmental organization, speaks during an interview in Hong Kong on March 28, 2018. AP Photo/File

BEIJING—Former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig, being held in China on suspicion of endangering national security, is not entitled to diplomatic immunity, China’s foreign ministry said on Jan. 14.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Jan. 11 chastised China over the detention of two Canadians following the arrest of a senior Chinese executive at the request of the United States.