Canada demands China release detained Canadians

Canada on Saturday formally demanded China release two Canadians detained by Beijing in apparent retaliation for Canada's arrest of a Chinese tech executive on the United States' behalf.

"We are deeply concerned by the arbitrary detention by Chinese authorities of two Canadians earlier this month and call for their immediate release," said Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland. "We also believe this is not only a Canadian issue," she added. "It is an issue that concerns our allies."

The U.S., United Kingdom, and European Union issued supporting statements. A message from the U.S. State Department emphasized that Canada is abiding by its extradition agreements with the United States and expressed "deep concern" over the two Canadians' detention.

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