Chinese embassy demands release of Huawei CFO arrested in Canada

Imaginechina

The Chinese embassy in Canada on Wednesday demanded immediate release of Chinese telecoms giant Huawei's global chief financial officer.

Meng Wanzhou was detained by the Canadian authorities on December 1, on behalf of the United States of America, which seeks the extradition of Meng to face unspecified charges in the Eastern District of New York, when she was transferring flights in Canada, according to a statement released by Huawei.

“The Chinese side firmly opposes and strongly protests over such kind of actions, which seriously harmed the human rights of the victim,” the embassy said, adding that Meng didn't violate any American or Canadian law.

The embassy has made solemn representations to Canada and the United States, and urged them to "immediately restore the personal freedom of Meng."

Meng, daughter of Huawei’s founder Ren Zhengfei, serves as the company’s CFO and deputy chairwoman.

Huawei said on Wednesday that they are hoping for “a just conclusion.”

“The company has been provided very little information regarding the charges and is not aware of any wrongdoings by Meng,” the company said in a statement, adding that it believes the Canadian and US legal systems will ultimately reach a just conclusion.”

The statement also emphasized that Huawei complies with laws and regulations globally, including those set by the United Nations, the United States and the European Union.