Another Canadian is missing in China. Identified as Michael Spavor, the China-based business consultant disappeared amid tensions between the nations over the arrest of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou from Vancouver airport on December 1 at Washington request.
Earlier, former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig was detained in China during his visit to Beijing. Currently he works for International Crisis Group think tank.
It is too early to link arrest of Meng with these two Canadian in China, but experts believe arrest of Kovrig was retaliation by Beijing.
However, Meng was released on bail on Tuesday following warning from China to face consequences. Her US extradition hearing is pending.
Canadian foreign ministry spokesman Guillaume Berube said, “We are aware that a Canadian citizen, Mr. Michael Spavor, is presently missing in China… We have been unable to make contact since he let us know he was being questioned by Chinese authorities.”
Spavor is based in northeast China, near to the North Korea border. He runs Paektu Cultural Exchange programme, which facilitates tourism, sport, cultural and business trips to North Korea.
He has a good recognition in the region and his photo appears on North Korean state media too where he is seen talking with Kim.
Spavor earned recognition in 2013 and 2014 when he helped facilitate visits by former Chicago Bulls star Rodman.
