Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is accusing China of ignoring the "principles of diplomatic immunity" by "arbitrarily and unfairly" detaining two Canadian citizens, one of whom is a Canadian diplomat on leave. According to a government official who spoke to CBC News, Kovrig was not travelling on a diplomatic passport. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accuses China of violating Canadian Michael Kovrig's diplomatic immunity for arresting him in China last month and holding him with limited consular access. Saint-Jacques said Chinese authorities maintain extensive files on all diplomats in China, especially those, like Kovrig, who speak fluent Mandarin. Kovrig continued reporting on sensitive subjects involving China after he joined the International Crisis Group as an adviser in February 2017.

Source: CBC News January 12, 2019 00:26 UTC