China Urges Canada to Release Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou

China is urging Canada to release Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou as soon as possible, the National Post is reporting. Meng, who was detained in Canada last year and is fighting extradition to the United States, is scheduled to appear in court for the first phase of her extradition hearing in Vancouver later today.

According to the report, foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang, who made the comments at a daily briefing on Monday, also said that Canada should correct its mistake.

At the request of the United States, Meng, the daughter of Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei, was arrested on December 1, 2018, at Vancouver International Airport. In the U.S. she has been charged with fraud, over a complicated dealing that allegedly led banks into violating sanctions with Iran.

Meanwhile, Meng’s legal team argues that the case is really about the U.S. seeking to enforce its Iranian sanctions laws against Meng for conduct that took place outside both the U.S. and Canada.



In a press release, Huawei Canada said the following:

“Huawei has consistently stated, as the case is before the court, it is inappropriate for us to give specific comments on the ongoing legal proceeding.

We trust in Canada’s judicial system, which will prove Ms. Meng’s innocence.

Huawei stands with Ms. Meng in her pursuit for justice and freedom.

We hope Ms. Meng will be able to be together with her family, colleagues and friends as soon as possible.”