The Chinese foreign ministry has demanded Canada release Huawei Technologies Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou who was arrested upon request of the United States and to reveal the reason behind the arrest.
"We have made solemn representations to Canada and the US, demanding that both parties immediately clarify the reasons for the detention, and immediately release the detainee to protect the person's legal rights," foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a regular press briefing.
Geng stressed that Beijing strongly opposed the introduction of any unilateral sanctions without the approval of the United Nations Security Council.
"The Chinese side firmly opposes and strongly protests such kinds of actions, which have seriously infringed upon the human rights of the victim. The Chinese side has lodged stern representations with the US and Canadian side, and urged them to immediately correct the wrongdoing and restore the personal freedom of Ms Meng Wanzhou”, an embassy spokesperson said on 5 December.
READ MORE: Beijing Urges Canada to Release Huawei Executive Arrested at US Request
Canadian authorities arrested Meng on December 1 in Vancouver over suspicions she violated US sanctions against Iran, media reported.
Washington reinstated sanctions against Tehran following the country's withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) — the Iran nuclear deal — in May. The first round of sanctions came into force in August and the next round on November 5. The sanctions target not only Iran's economy but also those individuals and entities who continue to do business with Tehran.