China urges Canada to release Huawei CFO

Firmly opposing the arrest of Huawei's Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Meng Wanzhouis in Vancouver at the request of the United States, the Chinese embassy in Ottawa has urged Canada to release the officer.

"At the request of the US side, the Canadian side arrested a Chinese citizen not violating any American or Canadian law. The Chinese side firmly opposes and strongly protests over such kind of actions which seriously harmed the human rights of the victim," Xinhua quoted a spokesperson of the Chinese embassy saying in a statement.

The spokesperson further said that 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 Meng." "We will closely follow the development of the issue and take all measures to resolutely protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens," the spokesperson added.

Huawei, on Thursday, denied any wrongdoing by its CFO Meng and stated, "The company has been provided very little information regarding the charges and is not aware of any wrongdoing by Meng. The company believes the Canadian and US legal systems will ultimately reach a just conclusion. Huawei complies with all applicable laws and regulations where it operates, including applicable export control and sanction laws and regulations of the UN, US and EU."

Meng, who has been sought for extradition by the United States, was arrested in Vancouver on December 1, CNN reported citing Canadian Justice Department spokesperson Ian McLeod. A bail hearing has been set for Friday.