Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland. (AFP / John MACDOUGALL/file photo)
TORONTO: Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland says China's detention of two Canadian citizens in apparent retaliation for the arrest of a top Chinese tech executive is a worrying precedent that has resonated with allies.
Freeland said Saturday on a conference call with reporters that it's an issue that concerns partners around the world, and Canada will continue having discussions about it.
Canada did away with diplomatic caution a day prior and made its first demand for China to immediately release its citizens. The US, the UK and the EU also issued statements in support of Canada.
A top executive of Chinese telecom giant Huawei was arrested in Vancouver on Decenber 1 at the request of the United States, which wants her extradited. Nine days later, China jailed the two Canadians.
