The detention of two Canadians in China and a third who has seen the death penalty applied to him remains a concern for the prime minister.
It is believed the detentions are an attempt to pressure Canada to release a Huawei executive arrested in December.
But Justin Trudeau says Canada will continue to stand up for the rule of law and the independence of its justice system.
“It would be wrong to interfere politically — certainly because of outside pressures, but for whatever reason — in the independence of our judicial system in Canada,” said Trudeau.
The prime minister spoke to reporters on Friday following a three-day cabinet retreat in Sherbrooke, Que.
Trudeau said he is concerned about the blending of China’s commercial interests with threats of consequences.
“This is something that I think should be of concern not just to Canadians but to people around the world,” he said.
Trudeau said the fact so many countries have publicly raised concerns about the approach China is taking is an important message.
Story by Brad Perry
Twitter: @BradMPerry
Email: perry.brad@radioabl.ca
(Photo from CPAC)
