British Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has warned of his "very deep concerns" about Chinese technology giant Huawei being involved in the use of 5G on Britain's mobile network, &nbsp;The Times reported Thursday.

"I have grave, very deep concerns about Huawei providing the 5G network in Britain. It's something we'd have to look at very closely," Williamson was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

"We've got to look at what partners such as Australia and the US are doing in order to ensure that they have the maximum security of that 5G network," he said.

"We've got to recognise the fact, as has been recently exposed, that the Chinese state does sometimes act in a malign way," he said.

Williamson's comments echo similar warnings from MI6 spy agency chief Alex Younger who earlier this year said Britain would have to make "some decisions" about the involvement of firms such as Huawei.

Britain's government earlier this year announced the West Midlands region in central England would become the first large-scale testing area for 5G.

Fifth-generation mobile networks, or 5G, will have faster transmission speeds and could enable a far wider use of self-driving vehicles and internet-powered household objects.

Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-mulls-new-year-executive-order-to-bar-huawei-zte-purchases-186787"> Trump mulls executive order to bar Huawei, ZTE purchases</a>

It is expected to be rolled out in Asia and the United States from 2020.

Huawei has defended its global ambitions and network in the face of Western fears that the Chinese telecom giant could serve as a Trojan horse for Beijing's security apparatus.

The company has been under fire this year with Washington leading efforts to blacklist Huawei internationally and securing the arrest of the company's chief financial officer in Canada.

Countries like the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Britain have pulled back from using its products while concerns grow in Japan, France, Germany and even the Czech Republic over security issues.

'I have grave, very deep concerns about Huawei providing the 5G network in Britain. It's something we'd have to look at very closely,' Williamson was quoted as saying by the local newspaper.

British Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has warned of his "very deep concerns" about Chinese technology giant Huawei being involved in the use of 5G on Britain's mobile network, The Times reported Thursday. "I have grave, very deep concerns about Huawei providing the 5G network in Britain. It's something we'd have to look at very closely," Williamson was quoted as saying by the newspaper. "We've got to look at what partners such as Australia and the US are doing in order to ensure that they have the maximum security of that 5G network," he said. "We've got to recognise the fact, as has been recently exposed, that the Chinese state does sometimes act in a malign way," he said. Williamson's comments echo similar warnings from MI6 spy agency chief Alex Younger who earlier this year said Britain would have to make "some decisions" about the involvement of firms such as Huawei. Britain's government earlier this year announced the West Midlands region in central England would become the first large-scale testing area for 5G. Fifth-generation mobile networks, or 5G, will have faster transmission speeds and could enable a far wider use of self-driving vehicles and internet-powered household objects. Also read: Trump mulls executive order to bar Huawei, ZTE purchases It is expected to be rolled out in Asia and the United States from 2020. Huawei has defended its global ambitions and network in the face of Western fears that the Chinese telecom giant could serve as a Trojan horse for Beijing's security apparatus. The company has been under fire this year with Washington leading efforts to blacklist Huawei internationally and securing the arrest of the company's chief financial officer in Canada. Countries like the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Britain have pulled back from using its products while concerns grow in Japan, France, Germany and even the Czech Republic over security issues.

Britain voices 'grave' concerns over China's Huawei

President Donald Trump is considering an executive order in the new year to declare a national emergency that would bar US&nbsp;companies from using telecommunications equipment made by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/secured-over-25-commercial-5g-contracts-huawei-184989">China's Huawei</a> and ZTE, three sources familiar with the situation told Reuters.

It would be the latest step by the Trump administration to cut Huawei Technologies Cos Ltd and ZTE Corp, two of China's biggest network equipment companies, out of the US&nbsp;market. The United States alleges that the two companies work at the behest of the Chinese government and that their equipment could be used to spy on Americans.

The executive order, which has been under consideration for more than eight months, could be issued as early as January and would direct the Commerce Department to block US&nbsp;companies from buying equipment from foreign telecommunications makers that pose significant national security risks, sources from the telecoms industry and the administration said.

While the order is unlikely to name Huawei or ZTE, a source said it is expected that Commerce officials would interpret it as authorization to limit the spread of equipment made by the two companies. The sources said the text for the order has not been finalized.

The executive order would invoke the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, a law that gives the president the authority to regulate commerce in response to a national emergency that threatens the United States.

The issue has new urgency as US&nbsp;wireless carriers look for partners as they prepare to adopt next generation 5G wireless networks.

The order follows the passage of a defense policy bill in August that barred the US&nbsp;government itself from using Huawei and ZTE equipment.

Huawei and ZTE did not return requests for comment. Both in the past have denied allegations their products are used to spy. The White House also did not return a request for comment.

The Wall Street Journal first reported in early May that the order was under consideration, but it was never issued.

Hit to rural networks

Rural operators in the United States are among the biggest customers of Huawei and ZTE, and fear the executive order would also require them to rip out existing Chinese-made equipment without compensation. Industry officials are divided on whether the administration could legally compel operators to do that.

While the big US&nbsp;wireless companies have cut ties with Huawei in particular, small rural carriers have relied on Huawei and ZTE switches and other equipment because they tend to be less expensive.

The company is so central to small carriers that William Levy, vice president for sales of Huawei Tech USA, is on the board of directors of the Rural Wireless Association.

The RWA represents carriers with fewer than 100,000 subscribers. It estimates that 25 percent of its members had Huawei or ZTE equipment in their networks, it said in a filing to the Federal Communications Commission earlier this month.

The RWA is concerned that an executive order could force its members to remove ZTE and Huawei equipment and also bar future purchases, said Caressa Bennet, RWA general counsel.

It would cost $800 million to $1 billion for all RWA members to replace their Huawei and ZTE equipment, Bennet said.

Separately, the FCC in April granted initial approval to a regulation that bars giving federal funding to help pay for telecommunication infrastructure to companies that purchase equipment from firms deemed threats to US&nbsp;national security, which analysts have said is aimed at Huawei and ZTE.

The FCC is also considering whether to require carriers to remove and replace equipment from firms deemed a national security risk.

In March, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said "hidden 'back doors' to our networks in routers, switches — and virtually any other type of telecommunications equipment - can provide an avenue for hostile governments to inject viruses, launch denial-of-service attacks, steal data, and more."

In the December filing, Pine Belt Communications in Alabama estimated it would cost $7 million to $13 million to replace its Chinese-made equipment, while Sagebrush in Montana said replacement would cost $57 million and take two years.

Sagebrush has noted that Huawei products are significantly cheaper. When looking for bids in 2010 for its network, it found the cost of Ericsson equipment to be nearly four times the cost of Huawei.

President Donald Trump is considering an executive order in the new year to declare a national emergency that would bar US companies from using telecommunications equipment made by China's Huawei and ZTE, three sources familiar with the situation told Reuters.

President Donald Trump is considering an executive order in the new year to declare a national emergency that would bar US companies from using telecommunications equipment made by China's Huawei and ZTE, three sources familiar with the situation told Reuters. It would be the latest step by the Trump administration to cut Huawei Technologies Cos Ltd and ZTE Corp, two of China's biggest network equipment companies, out of the US market. The United States alleges that the two companies work at the behest of the Chinese government and that their equipment could be used to spy on Americans. The executive order, which has been under consideration for more than eight months, could be issued as early as January and would direct the Commerce Department to block US companies from buying equipment from foreign telecommunications makers that pose significant national security risks, sources from the telecoms industry and the administration said. While the order is unlikely to name Huawei or ZTE, a source said it is expected that Commerce officials would interpret it as authorization to limit the spread of equipment made by the two companies. The sources said the text for the order has not been finalized. The executive order would invoke the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, a law that gives the president the authority to regulate commerce in response to a national emergency that threatens the United States. The issue has new urgency as US wireless carriers look for partners as they prepare to adopt next generation 5G wireless networks. The order follows the passage of a defense policy bill in August that barred the US government itself from using Huawei and ZTE equipment. Huawei and ZTE did not return requests for comment. Both in the past have denied allegations their products are used to spy. The White House also did not return a request for comment. The Wall Street Journal first reported in early May that the order was under consideration, but it was never issued. Hit to rural networks Rural operators in the United States are among the biggest customers of Huawei and ZTE, and fear the executive order would also require them to rip out existing Chinese-made equipment without compensation. Industry officials are divided on whether the administration could legally compel operators to do that. While the big US wireless companies have cut ties with Huawei in particular, small rural carriers have relied on Huawei and ZTE switches and other equipment because they tend to be less expensive. The company is so central to small carriers that William Levy, vice president for sales of Huawei Tech USA, is on the board of directors of the Rural Wireless Association. The RWA represents carriers with fewer than 100,000 subscribers. It estimates that 25 percent of its members had Huawei or ZTE equipment in their networks, it said in a filing to the Federal Communications Commission earlier this month. The RWA is concerned that an executive order could force its members to remove ZTE and Huawei equipment and also bar future purchases, said Caressa Bennet, RWA general counsel. It would cost $800 million to $1 billion for all RWA members to replace their Huawei and ZTE equipment, Bennet said. Separately, the FCC in April granted initial approval to a regulation that bars giving federal funding to help pay for telecommunication infrastructure to companies that purchase equipment from firms deemed threats to US national security, which analysts have said is aimed at Huawei and ZTE. The FCC is also considering whether to require carriers to remove and replace equipment from firms deemed a national security risk. In March, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said "hidden 'back doors' to our networks in routers, switches — and virtually any other type of telecommunications equipment - can provide an avenue for hostile governments to inject viruses, launch denial-of-service attacks, steal data, and more." In the December filing, Pine Belt Communications in Alabama estimated it would cost $7 million to $13 million to replace its Chinese-made equipment, while Sagebrush in Montana said replacement would cost $57 million and take two years. Sagebrush has noted that Huawei products are significantly cheaper. When looking for bids in 2010 for its network, it found the cost of Ericsson equipment to be nearly four times the cost of Huawei.

Trump mulls executive order to bar Huawei, ZTE purchases

China declared today it was "resolutely"<a href="http://www.wionews.com/americas/canada-seeks-help-of-allies-for-release-of-detainees-in-china-185916"> opposed to Canada demanding</a> release of two detained citizens as relations between the two countries continued to decline.

Beijing had detained two Canadians - <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/canada-us-call-for-immediate-release-of-two-canadians-held-by-china-185757">ex-diplomat, Michael Kovrig and businessman</a> Michael Spavor, just days after the arrest of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou on December 1.

"The Chinese side expressed strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to the statements made by Canada and the US," Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said.

China had said that Michael Spavor, who worked with the North Korean government was being held for suspicious activities which harmed China's security.

Reports last week said a third Canadian, Sarah McIver, was also being held pending deportation for working illegally in China.

Earlier, China had criticised Britain and the European Union accusing it of "double standards" for not mentioning a senior Chinese executive, Meng Wanzhou's arrest in Vancouver, Canada.

China had said that Canada must release Chinese citizen, Meng Wanzhou, held "illegally" in the country. Meng was arrested after Washington insisted that Huawei was trading with Iran despite US sanctions.

Men denied the charge.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lu had said Meng's arrest was a "mistaken action". He urged Canada to immediately release her although the Huawei CFO was released after being arrested but her bail was "conditional" with the Canadian judge barring her from leaving the country.

Canadian foreign minister Chrystia Freeland, on the other hand, had said last week that Meng's extradition process should not be politicised after US President Trump said he would intervene in the case.

If the Canadian judge rules in favour of the US extradition request, Canada's justice minister must next decide whether to extradite Meng to the United States.

China declared today it was "resolutely" opposed to Canada demanding release of two detained citizens as relations between the two countries continued to decline.

China declared today it was "resolutely" opposed to Canada demanding release of two detained citizens as relations between the two countries continued to decline. Beijing had detained two Canadians - ex-diplomat, Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor, just days after the arrest of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou on December 1. "The Chinese side expressed strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to the statements made by Canada and the US," Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said. China had said that Michael Spavor, who worked with the North Korean government was being held for suspicious activities which harmed China's security. Reports last week said a third Canadian, Sarah McIver, was also being held pending deportation for working illegally in China. Earlier, China had criticised Britain and the European Union accusing it of "double standards" for not mentioning a senior Chinese executive, Meng Wanzhou's arrest in Vancouver, Canada. China had said that Canada must release Chinese citizen, Meng Wanzhou, held "illegally" in the country. Meng was arrested after Washington insisted that Huawei was trading with Iran despite US sanctions. Men denied the charge. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lu had said Meng's arrest was a "mistaken action". He urged Canada to immediately release her although the Huawei CFO was released after being arrested but her bail was "conditional" with the Canadian judge barring her from leaving the country. Canadian foreign minister Chrystia Freeland, on the other hand, had said last week that Meng's extradition process should not be politicised after US President Trump said he would intervene in the case. If the Canadian judge rules in favour of the US extradition request, Canada's justice minister must next decide whether to extradite Meng to the United States.

Resolutely oppose demand to free two detained Canadians: China

Foreign investors have pumped in close to Rs 4,000 crore in the Indian capital markets this month so far on strengthening rupee and easing global crude oil prices.

This comes following a 10-month high net inflow of over Rs 12,266 crore in the capital markets (equity and debt) by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/fpis-pull-out-nearly-rs-400-crore-in-just-5-sessions-on-global-cues-182620">Foreign Portfolio Investors </a>(FPIs) in November.

According to data available with the depositories, FPIs infused a net amount of Rs 1,332 crore in equities and Rs 2,552 crore in the debt markets, taking the total to Rs 3,884 crore during December 3-21.

Marketmen attributed the inflow to persistent fall in crude oil prices, which dropped to over 15-month lows, and strengthening rupee against the dollar.

However, till December 7, FPIs were net sellers in the equity market, pulling out funds to the tune of Rs 383 crore. However, they had put in Rs 2,744 crore in the debt markets during the period under review.

"The sell-off was triggered on December 6, when FPIs sold net assets worth Rs 361 crore in a single day. This could be largely attributed to the weakness in the global markets due to the arrest of a high-profile Chinese executive which led to a sharp fall in the stock markets globally," said Himanshu Srivastava, Senior Analyst Manager Research, Morningstar Investment Adviser India.

"Investors fear that the relationship between the world's two biggest economies — US and China — could deteriorate following the arrest and hurt economic growth. Consequently, they chose to adopt a cautious stance and shun risky assets, such as their investments in emerging markets like India, which are more susceptible to weak global cues," he added.

The sell-off by FPIs was triggered after Chinese telecom giant Huawei's CFO <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-cfo-meng-wanzhou-freed-on-bail-leaves-courthouse-183504">Meng Wanzhou</a>, who is also the company founder's daughter, was arrested in Canada for extradition to the US for suspected Iran sanctions violations.

FPIs have pulled out over Rs 84,200 crore from the capital markets so far this year. This includes close to Rs 34,000 crore from equities and Rs 50,200 crore from the debt market.

Foreign investors have pumped in close to Rs 4,000 crore in the Indian capital markets this month so far on strengthening rupee and easing global crude oil prices.

Foreign investors have pumped in close to Rs 4,000 crore in the Indian capital markets this month so far on strengthening rupee and easing global crude oil prices. This comes following a 10-month high net inflow of over Rs 12,266 crore in the capital markets (equity and debt) by Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) in November. According to data available with the depositories, FPIs infused a net amount of Rs 1,332 crore in equities and Rs 2,552 crore in the debt markets, taking the total to Rs 3,884 crore during December 3-21. Marketmen attributed the inflow to persistent fall in crude oil prices, which dropped to over 15-month lows, and strengthening rupee against the dollar. However, till December 7, FPIs were net sellers in the equity market, pulling out funds to the tune of Rs 383 crore. However, they had put in Rs 2,744 crore in the debt markets during the period under review. "The sell-off was triggered on December 6, when FPIs sold net assets worth Rs 361 crore in a single day. This could be largely attributed to the weakness in the global markets due to the arrest of a high-profile Chinese executive which led to a sharp fall in the stock markets globally," said Himanshu Srivastava, Senior Analyst Manager Research, Morningstar Investment Adviser India. "Investors fear that the relationship between the world's two biggest economies — US and China — could deteriorate following the arrest and hurt economic growth. Consequently, they chose to adopt a cautious stance and shun risky assets, such as their investments in emerging markets like India, which are more susceptible to weak global cues," he added. The sell-off by FPIs was triggered after Chinese telecom giant Huawei's CFO Meng Wanzhou, who is also the company founder's daughter, was arrested in Canada for extradition to the US for suspected Iran sanctions violations. FPIs have pulled out over Rs 84,200 crore from the capital markets so far this year. This includes close to Rs 34,000 crore from equities and Rs 50,200 crore from the debt market.

FPIs infuse Rs 4,000-cr in 3 weeks on strengthening rupee, easing crude prices

China's foreign ministry&nbsp;said today that it had held a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/canada-court-grants-conditional-bail-to-huaweis-meng-wanzhou-183357">third Canadian national for working</a> illegally in the country.

A&nbsp;Canadian&nbsp;woman named Sarah McIver&nbsp;faces "administrative penalties", said Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying at a press briefing in Beijing.

"In the case of the current consular situations we're going to continue to defend them, to stand up for them, to ask for more information on the charges being brought forward, or the reasons for detention," Canadian PM Justin Trudeau said.

A Canadian newspaper had identified McIver as a teacher.

The new development comes <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/do-not-politicise-extradition-cases-canada-warns-us-183654">after China had earlier detained</a> former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor after Canadian authorities had arrested and later released Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou last week.

Meng was arrested after US authorities asked Canadian officials to detain her at the Vancouver airport over&nbsp;Huawei's alleged trade transactions with Iran. Meng&nbsp;was&nbsp;released on conditional bail and has been barred from leaving Canada.

PM Trudeau maintained that it was "a very separate case" from last week.

"But we are looking into the details on this most recent one - that doesn't seem to fit the pattern set by the previous two, but we'll have more to say as we collect the facts on this issue," PM Trudeau informed reporters.

"We have engaged in a very&nbsp;thoughtful way on trying to get the best outcome, and sometimes politicising or amplifying the level of public discourse on this may be satisfying in the short term, but would not contribute to the outcome,"&nbsp;PM Trudeau added.

China's foreign ministry said today that it had held a third Canadian national for working illegally in the country. A Canadian woman named Sarah McIver faces "administrative penalties", said Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying at a press briefing in Beijing.

China's foreign ministry said today that it had held a third Canadian national for working illegally in the country. A Canadian woman named Sarah McIver faces "administrative penalties", said Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying at a press briefing in Beijing. "In the case of the current consular situations we're going to continue to defend them, to stand up for them, to ask for more information on the charges being brought forward, or the reasons for detention," Canadian PM Justin Trudeau said. A Canadian newspaper had identified McIver as a teacher. The new development comes after China had earlier detained former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor after Canadian authorities had arrested and later released Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou last week. Meng was arrested after US authorities asked Canadian officials to detain her at the Vancouver airport over Huawei's alleged trade transactions with Iran. Meng was released on conditional bail and has been barred from leaving Canada. PM Trudeau maintained that it was "a very separate case" from last week. "But we are looking into the details on this most recent one - that doesn't seem to fit the pattern set by the previous two, but we'll have more to say as we collect the facts on this issue," PM Trudeau informed reporters. "We have engaged in a very thoughtful way on trying to get the best outcome, and sometimes politicising or amplifying the level of public discourse on this may be satisfying in the short term, but would not contribute to the outcome," PM Trudeau added.

Third Canadian held for working illegally in the country: China

Huawei denies allegations of security threat

Days after China detained <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/no-information-from-chinese-officials-about-detention-of-canadian-diplomat-michael-kovrig-icg-183394">former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig</a>, the Canadian government said today that a second Canadian identified as Michael Spavor was also missing in China.

"We are aware that a Canadian citizen, Mr. Michael Spavor, is presently missing in China," Canadian foreign ministry spokesman Guillaume Berube told AFP.

Spavor's disappearance comes 24 hours after a Canadian<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-cfo-meng-wanzhou-freed-on-bail-leaves-courthouse-183504"> court granted Huawei's chief financial officer</a> Meng Wanzhou conditional bail after arresting her on charges of allegedly carrying out transactions with Iran despite US sanctions. Meng's arrest was apparently carried after US officials insisted that Huawei CFO was clandestinely engaging with Iran.

Meng was released on $7.5 million bail by the Vancouver court.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
"We have been unable to make contact since he let us know he was being questioned by Chinese authorities," Berube said adding, "we are working very hard to ascertain his whereabouts and we continue to raise this with the Chinese government."

Spavor who is based in China runs the Paektu Cultural Exchange, an organisation which facilitates business, tourism and sports trips to North Korea. He was responsible for helping NBA Dennis Rodman make the trip to North Korea two years ago.

Chinese authorities had earlier detained former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig in a move widely seen as a retaliation for Meng's arrest in Vancouver.

"Canadian citizen Michael John Kovrig was on Dec. 10 investigated in accordance with the law by the Beijing State Security Bureau on suspicion of engaging in activities that harm China's state security," China's state-run Beijing News had said.

Kovrig worked for the International Crisis Group (ICG), a think tank based on conflict resolution.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said that he ICG was not registered in China as a non-government organisation (NGO) and Kovrig could have broken Chinese law.

"If they are not registered and their workers are in China undertaking activities, then that's already outside of, and breaking, the law, revised just last year, on the management of overseas non-governmental organisations operating in China," Lu said.

Days after China detained former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig, the Canadian government said today that a second Canadian identified as Michael Spavor was also missing in China.

Days after China detained former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig, the Canadian government said today that a second Canadian identified as Michael Spavor was also missing in China. "We are aware that a Canadian citizen, Mr. Michael Spavor, is presently missing in China," Canadian foreign ministry spokesman Guillaume Berube told AFP. Spavor's disappearance comes 24 hours after a Canadian court granted Huawei's chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou conditional bail after arresting her on charges of allegedly carrying out transactions with Iran despite US sanctions. Meng's arrest was apparently carried after US officials insisted that Huawei CFO was clandestinely engaging with Iran. Meng was released on $7.5 million bail by the Vancouver court. "We have been unable to make contact since he let us know he was being questioned by Chinese authorities," Berube said adding, "we are working very hard to ascertain his whereabouts and we continue to raise this with the Chinese government." Spavor who is based in China runs the Paektu Cultural Exchange, an organisation which facilitates business, tourism and sports trips to North Korea. He was responsible for helping NBA Dennis Rodman make the trip to North Korea two years ago. Chinese authorities had earlier detained former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig in a move widely seen as a retaliation for Meng's arrest in Vancouver. "Canadian citizen Michael John Kovrig was on Dec. 10 investigated in accordance with the law by the Beijing State Security Bureau on suspicion of engaging in activities that harm China's state security," China's state-run Beijing News had said. Kovrig worked for the International Crisis Group (ICG), a think tank based on conflict resolution. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said that he ICG was not registered in China as a non-government organisation (NGO) and Kovrig could have broken Chinese law. "If they are not registered and their workers are in China undertaking activities, then that's already outside of, and breaking, the law, revised just last year, on the management of overseas non-governmental organisations operating in China," Lu said.

After ex-diplomat, another Canadian national goes missing after questioning by Chinese authorities

The International Crisis Group (ICG) said on Wednesday it had received no information from Chinese officials about the detention of its employee, former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig, and that it was seeking consular access to him.

ICG, a policy forum focused on conflict resolution, said in a statement sent to Reuters Kovrig was detained by state security officials in Beijing on Monday night.

His detention, first reported by Reuters, came after police in Canada arrested the chief financial officer of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/canada-court-grants-conditional-bail-to-huaweis-meng-wanzhou-183357">China's Huawei Technologies </a>Co Ltd on December 1 at the request of US authorities, a move that has infuriated Beijing.

Neither China's Foreign Ministry nor Ministry of Public Security has responded to requests for comment. China's Ministry of State Security has no publicly available contact details.

The Canadian government said it saw no explicit link to the Huawei case.

Diplomats in China said the apparent involvement of the secretive state security ministry, which engages in domestic counter-espionage work, among other things, suggests that the government could be looking at levelling spying accusations. However, ICG President and CEO Robert Malley said the group did not engage in such activity.

"I don't want to speculate as to what’s behind it but I am prepared to be categorical about what's not behind it, and what's not behind it is any illegal activity or endangering of Chinese national security," Malley told Reuters.

"Everything we do is transparent, it's on our website. We don’t engage in secretive work, in confidential work," he said.

Guy Saint-Jacques, Canada's former ambassador to China, was asked by the Canadian Broadcasting Corp on Tuesday whether the Kovrig detention was a coincidence after the arrest of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou.

"In China, there are no coincidences ... If they want to send you a message, they will send you a message," he said.

A Western diplomat in China, who asked not to be identified, was even more blunt: "This is a political kidnapping."

China had threatened severe consequences unless Canada released Meng immediately and analysts have said retaliation from Beijing over the arrest was likely.

Meng was granted bail by a Canadian court late on Tuesday, 10 days after her arrest in Vancouver on US claims that she misled multinational banks about Iran-linked transactions sparked a diplomatic dispute.

Malley said Kovrig, who was based in Hong Kong, had been working on issues related to Chinese foreign policy in Asia and Africa. "I'm just going to hope that whatever process is underway is going to be a fair one and one that will quickly show that there's nothing against him," he said.

The US State Department was considering issuing a travel warning for its citizens, two sources said on Tuesday. The Canadian government was considering issuing a similar warning, Canada's CTV network reported. Reuters was not able to confirm the report.

The International Crisis Group (ICG) said on Wednesday it had received no information from Chinese officials about the detention of its employee, former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig, and that it was seeking consular access to him.

The International Crisis Group (ICG) said on Wednesday it had received no information from Chinese officials about the detention of its employee, former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig, and that it was seeking consular access to him. ICG, a policy forum focused on conflict resolution, said in a statement sent to Reuters Kovrig was detained by state security officials in Beijing on Monday night. His detention, first reported by Reuters, came after police in Canada arrested the chief financial officer of China's Huawei Technologies Co Ltd on December 1 at the request of US authorities, a move that has infuriated Beijing. Neither China's Foreign Ministry nor Ministry of Public Security has responded to requests for comment. China's Ministry of State Security has no publicly available contact details. The Canadian government said it saw no explicit link to the Huawei case. Diplomats in China said the apparent involvement of the secretive state security ministry, which engages in domestic counter-espionage work, among other things, suggests that the government could be looking at levelling spying accusations. However, ICG President and CEO Robert Malley said the group did not engage in such activity. "I don't want to speculate as to what’s behind it but I am prepared to be categorical about what's not behind it, and what's not behind it is any illegal activity or endangering of Chinese national security," Malley told Reuters. "Everything we do is transparent, it's on our website. We don’t engage in secretive work, in confidential work," he said. Guy Saint-Jacques, Canada's former ambassador to China, was asked by the Canadian Broadcasting Corp on Tuesday whether the Kovrig detention was a coincidence after the arrest of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou. "In China, there are no coincidences ... If they want to send you a message, they will send you a message," he said. A Western diplomat in China, who asked not to be identified, was even more blunt: "This is a political kidnapping." China had threatened severe consequences unless Canada released Meng immediately and analysts have said retaliation from Beijing over the arrest was likely. Meng was granted bail by a Canadian court late on Tuesday, 10 days after her arrest in Vancouver on US claims that she misled multinational banks about Iran-linked transactions sparked a diplomatic dispute. Malley said Kovrig, who was based in Hong Kong, had been working on issues related to Chinese foreign policy in Asia and Africa. "I'm just going to hope that whatever process is underway is going to be a fair one and one that will quickly show that there's nothing against him," he said. The US State Department was considering issuing a travel warning for its citizens, two sources said on Tuesday. The Canadian government was considering issuing a similar warning, Canada's CTV network reported. Reuters was not able to confirm the report.

No information from Chinese officials about detention of Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig: ICG

A Canadian court granted bail <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-us-should-withdraw-arrest-warrant-for-huawei-executive-182747">to Huawei's Meng Wanzhou who </a>was held by authorities for the past one week after US officials accused the top executive of misleading banks about transactions linked to Iran.

Meng, 46, was granted relief on a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-huawei-executive-meng-wanzhou-183193">$7.5 million guarantee by a</a> Vancouver court in British Columbia after three days of bail hearing. Meng was arrested in Canada as she was changing planes in Vancouver.

Justice William Ehrcke while granting bail to Meng put other conditions including monitoring, curfew and other conditions.

She will be subject to electronic monitoring after the bail was made possible by five guarantors. She would be monitored by Canadian authorities everytime she leaves her house.

Meng who is Huawei's chief financial officer and the daughter of the company's founder had pleaded innocence and had decided to fight her extradition in the US court.

Meng's extradition to the United States is still unclear.&nbsp;

"We have every confidence that the Canadian and US legal systems will reach a just conclusion," Huawei said in a statement.

President Trump had said that he would intervene in the case as it grabbed global headlines amid the temporary truce between US and China over the trade war.

"If I think it's good for what will be certainly the largest trade deal ever made – which is a very important thing – what's good for national security – I would certainly intervene if I thought it was necessary," Trump said.

China had warned severe consequences against Canada as the Huawei heiress was held last week. The Chinese foreign ministry had said Canada had violated the consular treaty signed with the country as it failed to notify China about Meng's detention.

"First, the China-Canada consular treaty specifies that Canada is obliged to immediately inform the Chinese embassy or consulates in Canada whenever there occurs such a case," the Chinese foreign ministry said, adding, "China was not informed via Canada's government immediately, but learned of the case from other sources."

 
&nbsp; 
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A Canadian court granted bail to Huawei's Meng Wanzhou who was held by authorities for the past one week after US officials accused the top executive of misleading banks about transactions linked to Iran.

A Canadian court granted bail to Huawei's Meng Wanzhou who was held by authorities for the past one week after US officials accused the top executive of misleading banks about transactions linked to Iran. Meng, 46, was granted relief on a $7.5 million guarantee by a Vancouver court in British Columbia after three days of bail hearing. Meng was arrested in Canada as she was changing planes in Vancouver. Justice William Ehrcke while granting bail to Meng put other conditions including monitoring, curfew and other conditions. She will be subject to electronic monitoring after the bail was made possible by five guarantors. She would be monitored by Canadian authorities everytime she leaves her house. Meng who is Huawei's chief financial officer and the daughter of the company's founder had pleaded innocence and had decided to fight her extradition in the US court. Meng's extradition to the United States is still unclear. "We have every confidence that the Canadian and US legal systems will reach a just conclusion," Huawei said in a statement. President Trump had said that he would intervene in the case as it grabbed global headlines amid the temporary truce between US and China over the trade war. "If I think it's good for what will be certainly the largest trade deal ever made – which is a very important thing – what's good for national security – I would certainly intervene if I thought it was necessary," Trump said. China had warned severe consequences against Canada as the Huawei heiress was held last week. The Chinese foreign ministry had said Canada had violated the consular treaty signed with the country as it failed to notify China about Meng's detention. "First, the China-Canada consular treaty specifies that Canada is obliged to immediately inform the Chinese embassy or consulates in Canada whenever there occurs such a case," the Chinese foreign ministry said, adding, "China was not informed via Canada's government immediately, but learned of the case from other sources."

Canada court grants conditional bail to Huawei's Meng Wanzhou

US President Donald Trump said in an interview Tuesday that he may intervene in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/canada-court-grants-conditional-bail-to-huaweis-meng-wanzhou-183357">US case against a top Huawei executive</a> detained and bailed by Canada if it helps seal a trade deal with China.

Meng Wanzhou, Huawei's chief financial officer, is wanted by US authorities for violating Iran sanctions but Beijing has expressed outrage over her detention in Vancouver, ratcheting up tensions in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trade-negotiations-underway-between-chinese-us-work-teams-chinese-fm-183496">US-China trade dispute</a>.

Asked by Reuters if he would intervene with the Justice Department in her case, Trump was quoted as saying: "Whatever's good for this country, I would do."

"If I think it's good for what will be certainly the largest trade deal ever made -- which is a very important thing, what's good for national security –- I would certainly intervene if I thought it was necessary," Trump said.

He added that White House officials had communicated with the Justice Department and Chinese officials about the Meng case but said he had not personally spoken to Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Questioned on domestic and international affairs, Trump also stood by Saudi Arabia's crown prince over the killing of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi and said he was not concerned that he would get impeached over scandals mounting at home.

But his comments on the Meng case are likely to garner the most attention as it has become a flashpoint in the already fragile trade relationship with the world's top two economies, locking them in a dispute that has begun to eat into profits.&nbsp;

'Very good ally'

Beijing has expressed outrage over Meng's arrest at the request of Washington on December 1 and is holding a former Canadian diplomat in China, intensifying the row.

Meng was granted bail in Vancouver earlier, but the list of strict conditions of her release pending the outcome of the extradition case is lengthy, and includes electronic tagging.

Asked about Washington Post columnist Khashoggi's October 2 murder at the Saudi embassy in Istanbul, Trump refused to comment on the CIA's reported assessment that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was likely complicit, and instead offered his unequivocal backing.

"He's the leader of Saudi Arabia. They've been a very good ally," Trump said, adding that standing by the kingdom meant backing Prince Mohammed.

His remarks came as pressure builds on the president over the investigation of Special Counsel Robert Mueller into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia to swing the 2016 election.

Trump told Reuters the American people "would revolt" if the Mueller probe -- or separate allegations by federal prosecutors that he ordered illegal hush money payments during the campaign to cover up affairs -- led to impeachment proceedings.&nbsp;

"It's hard to impeach somebody who hasn't done anything wrong and who's created the greatest economy in the history of our country," the president said.

US President Donald Trump said in an interview Tuesday that he may intervene in the US case against a top Huawei executive detained and bailed by Canada if it helps seal a trade deal with China.

US President Donald Trump said in an interview Tuesday that he may intervene in the US case against a top Huawei executive detained and bailed by Canada if it helps seal a trade deal with China. Meng Wanzhou, Huawei's chief financial officer, is wanted by US authorities for violating Iran sanctions but Beijing has expressed outrage over her detention in Vancouver, ratcheting up tensions in the US-China trade dispute. Asked by Reuters if he would intervene with the Justice Department in her case, Trump was quoted as saying: "Whatever's good for this country, I would do." "If I think it's good for what will be certainly the largest trade deal ever made -- which is a very important thing, what's good for national security –- I would certainly intervene if I thought it was necessary," Trump said. He added that White House officials had communicated with the Justice Department and Chinese officials about the Meng case but said he had not personally spoken to Chinese President Xi Jinping. Questioned on domestic and international affairs, Trump also stood by Saudi Arabia's crown prince over the killing of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi and said he was not concerned that he would get impeached over scandals mounting at home. But his comments on the Meng case are likely to garner the most attention as it has become a flashpoint in the already fragile trade relationship with the world's top two economies, locking them in a dispute that has begun to eat into profits. 'Very good ally' Beijing has expressed outrage over Meng's arrest at the request of Washington on December 1 and is holding a former Canadian diplomat in China, intensifying the row. Meng was granted bail in Vancouver earlier, but the list of strict conditions of her release pending the outcome of the extradition case is lengthy, and includes electronic tagging. Asked about Washington Post columnist Khashoggi's October 2 murder at the Saudi embassy in Istanbul, Trump refused to comment on the CIA's reported assessment that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was likely complicit, and instead offered his unequivocal backing. "He's the leader of Saudi Arabia. They've been a very good ally," Trump said, adding that standing by the kingdom meant backing Prince Mohammed. His remarks came as pressure builds on the president over the investigation of Special Counsel Robert Mueller into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia to swing the 2016 election. Trump told Reuters the American people "would revolt" if the Mueller probe -- or separate allegations by federal prosecutors that he ordered illegal hush money payments during the campaign to cover up affairs -- led to impeachment proceedings. "It's hard to impeach somebody who hasn't done anything wrong and who's created the greatest economy in the history of our country," the president said.

Trump says could intervene in Chinese executive's case

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that Canada violated a consular treaty signed with China when it failed to immediately notify China that it had detained the Chief Financial Officer of the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/what-you-need-to-know-about-chinese-tech-giant-huawei-181879"> Chinese telecom giant Huawei</a>.

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lu Kang made the statement at a regular press briefing in Beijing.

"First, the China-Canada consular treaty specifies that Canada is obliged to immediately inform the Chinese embassy or consulates in Canada whenever there occurs such a case. Second, as I told you yesterday, China was not informed via Canada's government immediately, but learned of the case from other sources," said Lu.

Meng Wanzhou, the 46-year-old daughter of the Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei, has been held for over a week and faces extradition to the United States. Tuesday will be the third day of bail hearings at a court in Vancouver. The judge will decide whether or not to free Meng on bail. The United States accuses her of misleading multinational banks about Huawei's control of a company operating in Iran, allegedly violating US sanctions.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that Canada violated a consular treaty signed with China when it failed to immediately notify China that it had detained the Chief Financial Officer of the Chinese telecom giant Huawei.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that Canada violated a consular treaty signed with China when it failed to immediately notify China that it had detained the Chief Financial Officer of the Chinese telecom giant Huawei. Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lu Kang made the statement at a regular press briefing in Beijing. "First, the China-Canada consular treaty specifies that Canada is obliged to immediately inform the Chinese embassy or consulates in Canada whenever there occurs such a case. Second, as I told you yesterday, China was not informed via Canada's government immediately, but learned of the case from other sources," said Lu. Meng Wanzhou, the 46-year-old daughter of the Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei, has been held for over a week and faces extradition to the United States. Tuesday will be the third day of bail hearings at a court in Vancouver. The judge will decide whether or not to free Meng on bail. The United States accuses her of misleading multinational banks about Huawei's control of a company operating in Iran, allegedly violating US sanctions.

Canada violated consular treaty over Huawei CFO's detention: Chinese FM spokesman

A top executive at Chinese telecoms giant Huawei Technologies is set to return to a Vancouver courtroom on Tuesday, as the judge weighs final issues in determining whether she should be freed on bail while awaiting extradition proceedings.

Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou was arrested by Canadian authorities on December 1 at the request of the United States. Tuesday will be the third day of bail hearings in a British Columbia court, with China criticizing her continued detention and demanding her immediate release.

Meng, 46, faces US accusations that she misled multinational banks about Huawei's control of a company operating in Iran, putting the banks at risk of violating US sanctions and incurring severe penalties, court documents said.

The judge on Monday rolled the proceedings over to Tuesday because he wanted to hear more from both sides about the issue of surety - who will take responsibility for Meng's actions if she were released.

Meng's lawyer David Martin had offered her husband as surety, but the judge and the public prosecutor questioned whether Liu Xiaozong, Meng's husband, could perform this duty as he is not a resident of British Columbia and would not suffer if she were to breach her bail conditions.

"If Ms. Meng were to flee, were to abscond, Mr Liu would not be left behind here," public prosecutor John Gibb-Carsley said. "He would go with her."

Intent on getting Meng out of detention and into one of her two luxury homes in the city, defense lawyer Martin is offering up high-tech surveillance devices and a 24-hour security detail to ensure his client does not flee.

He has also proposed a C$15 million ($11.3 million) bail guarantee and pledged Meng would hand over all her passports and travel documents to Canadian police, the court heard.

BEIJING WARNS ON "BULLYING"

The arrest has roiled markets over fears it will exacerbate tensions between the United States and China in trade negotiations that both sides have agreed must be concluded by March 1.

Beijing has demanded Meng's immediate release and threatened "consequences" for Canada. But both Chinese and US officials appear to be avoiding linking her arrest to the trade dispute.

Speaking at a forum in Beijing on Tuesday, the Chinese government's top diplomat, State Councillor Wang Yi, said the government kept constant watch on the safety of Chinese citizens abroad, though did not directly mention Meng's case.

"For any bullying that wantonly violates the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens, China will never sit idly by," state television quoted him as saying.

Asked whether Wang was referring to Meng, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said China's complaints to Canada and the United States about the case were the same as the position Wang had laid out earlier in the day about defending Chinese overseas.

Huawei is the world's largest supplier of telecommunications network equipment and second-biggest maker of smartphones, with revenue of about $92 billion last year. Unlike other big Chinese technology firms, it does much of its business overseas.

US officials allege the telecom giant was trying to use multinational banks to move money out of Iran. Companies are barred from using the US financial system to funnel goods and services to sanctioned entities.

Huawei and its lawyers have said the company operates in strict compliance with applicable laws, and is confident that both the Canadian and US legal systems "will reach a just conclusion".

A top executive at Chinese telecoms giant Huawei Technologies is set to return to a Vancouver courtroom on Tuesday, as the judge weighs final issues in determining whether she should be freed on bail while awaiting extradition proceedings.

A top executive at Chinese telecoms giant Huawei Technologies is set to return to a Vancouver courtroom on Tuesday, as the judge weighs final issues in determining whether she should be freed on bail while awaiting extradition proceedings. Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou was arrested by Canadian authorities on December 1 at the request of the United States. Tuesday will be the third day of bail hearings in a British Columbia court, with China criticizing her continued detention and demanding her immediate release. Meng, 46, faces US accusations that she misled multinational banks about Huawei's control of a company operating in Iran, putting the banks at risk of violating US sanctions and incurring severe penalties, court documents said. The judge on Monday rolled the proceedings over to Tuesday because he wanted to hear more from both sides about the issue of surety - who will take responsibility for Meng's actions if she were released. Meng's lawyer David Martin had offered her husband as surety, but the judge and the public prosecutor questioned whether Liu Xiaozong, Meng's husband, could perform this duty as he is not a resident of British Columbia and would not suffer if she were to breach her bail conditions. "If Ms. Meng were to flee, were to abscond, Mr Liu would not be left behind here," public prosecutor John Gibb-Carsley said. "He would go with her." Intent on getting Meng out of detention and into one of her two luxury homes in the city, defense lawyer Martin is offering up high-tech surveillance devices and a 24-hour security detail to ensure his client does not flee. He has also proposed a C$15 million ($11.3 million) bail guarantee and pledged Meng would hand over all her passports and travel documents to Canadian police, the court heard. BEIJING WARNS ON "BULLYING" The arrest has roiled markets over fears it will exacerbate tensions between the United States and China in trade negotiations that both sides have agreed must be concluded by March 1. Beijing has demanded Meng's immediate release and threatened "consequences" for Canada. But both Chinese and US officials appear to be avoiding linking her arrest to the trade dispute. Speaking at a forum in Beijing on Tuesday, the Chinese government's top diplomat, State Councillor Wang Yi, said the government kept constant watch on the safety of Chinese citizens abroad, though did not directly mention Meng's case. "For any bullying that wantonly violates the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens, China will never sit idly by," state television quoted him as saying. Asked whether Wang was referring to Meng, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said China's complaints to Canada and the United States about the case were the same as the position Wang had laid out earlier in the day about defending Chinese overseas. Huawei is the world's largest supplier of telecommunications network equipment and second-biggest maker of smartphones, with revenue of about $92 billion last year. Unlike other big Chinese technology firms, it does much of its business overseas. US officials allege the telecom giant was trying to use multinational banks to move money out of Iran. Companies are barred from using the US financial system to funnel goods and services to sanctioned entities. Huawei and its lawyers have said the company operates in strict compliance with applicable laws, and is confident that both the Canadian and US legal systems "will reach a just conclusion".

Huawei CFO back in Canada court as bail hearing set to wrap up

Top Chinese and US negotiators held telephone talks on Tuesday to exchange views on the timetable of trade talks, the Chinese commerce ministry said.

Vice Premier Liu He spoke with US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer 10 days after presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping agreed to a trade war truce.

A 90-day deadline was set to reach an agreement, but no date has been set for the next round of talks and tensions have risen anew following Canada's arrest of an executive of Chinese telecom giant Huawei at the behest of the United States.

The commerce ministry said in a statement Liu and the US officials "exchanged views on the implementation of the consensus" reached by Trump and Xi as well as on the timetable for the next round of negotiations.

The brief statement did not provide more details.

Lighthizer said Sunday that March 1 was a "hard deadline" for the two sides to reach an agreement that would prevent an escalation of the trade war.

The world's top two economies have exchanged steep tariffs on more than $300 billion in total two-way trade, locking them in a conflict that has begun to eat into profits.&nbsp;

Trump has agreed to hold off on hiking tariffs to give space for negotiations.

Top Chinese and US negotiators held telephone talks on Tuesday to exchange views on the timetable of trade talks, the Chinese commerce ministry said. Vice Premier Liu He spoke with US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer 10 days after presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping agreed to a trade war truce.

Top Chinese and US negotiators held telephone talks on Tuesday to exchange views on the timetable of trade talks, the Chinese commerce ministry said. Vice Premier Liu He spoke with US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer 10 days after presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping agreed to a trade war truce. A 90-day deadline was set to reach an agreement, but no date has been set for the next round of talks and tensions have risen anew following Canada's arrest of an executive of Chinese telecom giant Huawei at the behest of the United States. The commerce ministry said in a statement Liu and the US officials "exchanged views on the implementation of the consensus" reached by Trump and Xi as well as on the timetable for the next round of negotiations. The brief statement did not provide more details. Lighthizer said Sunday that March 1 was a "hard deadline" for the two sides to reach an agreement that would prevent an escalation of the trade war. The world's top two economies have exchanged steep tariffs on more than $300 billion in total two-way trade, locking them in a conflict that has begun to eat into profits. Trump has agreed to hold off on hiking tariffs to give space for negotiations.

Chinese, US negotiators discuss trade talks timetable

The shocking arrest of chief financial officer of Huawei Technologies, Meng Wanzhou, in Canada on December 1 is seen as entangled in the protracted diplomatic tensions between Washington and Beijing.

46-year-old Meng, who is also one of the vice chairs of company's board, is the daughter of founder Ren Zhengfei from his first marriage. She has taken her family name from her mother and has also used the English first names "Cathy" and "Sabrina".

Ren, 74, founded the Chinese telecommunications company in 1988 and, like his elder daughter, has largely kept a low profile. Last month, he posed for a family photo shoot for French lifestyle magazine Paris Match with his younger daughter and current wife. Annabel Yao, 20, Meng's half-sister, posed in front of a grand piano with her mother, identified by the magazine as Yao Ling, and Ren, who wore a blue shirt with his hand resting on his smiling daughter's shoulder.

A Huawei spokesman confirmed to Reuters that Yao is Ren's wife.

Meng had said in an interview in 2013 that she joined Huawei in 1993 as a secretary "whose job was just to take calls". She obtained a master's degree from Huazhong University of Science and Technology in 1998, and rose up the ranks over the years, mostly holding financial roles.

She has held the positions of director of the international accounting department, CFO of Huawei Hong Kong, and president of the accounting management department, according to company's website. She was married with a son and a daughter and her husband did not work in the industry.

Meng's importance at Huawei became apparent in 2011 when she was first named as a board member. Company insiders describe her as capable and hardworking.

While her brother, Meng Ping, as well as her father's younger brother and his current wife all work at Huawei and related companies, none has held such senior management roles.

She is set to return to a Vancouver courtroom on Tuesday, as the judge weighs final issues in determining whether she should be freed on bail while awaiting extradition proceedings.

Meng faces US accusations that she misled multi-national banks about Huawei's control of a company operating in Iran, putting the banks at risk of violating US sanctions and incurring severe penalties. Companies are barred from using the US financial system to funnel goods and services to sanctioned entities.

The shocking arrest of chief financial officer of Huawei Technologies, Meng Wanzhou, in Canada on December 1 is seen as entangled in the protracted diplomatic tensions between Washington and Beijing.

The shocking arrest of chief financial officer of Huawei Technologies, Meng Wanzhou, in Canada on December 1 is seen as entangled in the protracted diplomatic tensions between Washington and Beijing. 46-year-old Meng, who is also one of the vice chairs of company's board, is the daughter of founder Ren Zhengfei from his first marriage. She has taken her family name from her mother and has also used the English first names "Cathy" and "Sabrina". Ren, 74, founded the Chinese telecommunications company in 1988 and, like his elder daughter, has largely kept a low profile. Last month, he posed for a family photo shoot for French lifestyle magazine Paris Match with his younger daughter and current wife. Annabel Yao, 20, Meng's half-sister, posed in front of a grand piano with her mother, identified by the magazine as Yao Ling, and Ren, who wore a blue shirt with his hand resting on his smiling daughter's shoulder. A Huawei spokesman confirmed to Reuters that Yao is Ren's wife. Meng had said in an interview in 2013 that she joined Huawei in 1993 as a secretary "whose job was just to take calls". She obtained a master's degree from Huazhong University of Science and Technology in 1998, and rose up the ranks over the years, mostly holding financial roles. She has held the positions of director of the international accounting department, CFO of Huawei Hong Kong, and president of the accounting management department, according to company's website. She was married with a son and a daughter and her husband did not work in the industry. Meng's importance at Huawei became apparent in 2011 when she was first named as a board member. Company insiders describe her as capable and hardworking. While her brother, Meng Ping, as well as her father's younger brother and his current wife all work at Huawei and related companies, none has held such senior management roles. She is set to return to a Vancouver courtroom on Tuesday, as the judge weighs final issues in determining whether she should be freed on bail while awaiting extradition proceedings. Meng faces US accusations that she misled multi-national banks about Huawei's control of a company operating in Iran, putting the banks at risk of violating US sanctions and incurring severe penalties. Companies are barred from using the US financial system to funnel goods and services to sanctioned entities.

Who is Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou?

After a Canadian court adjourned the decision on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-accuses-canada-for-inhumane-treatment-of-huawei-cfo-182869">bail of Meng Wanzhou</a>, Huawei on Tuesday said in a statement carried by Chinese state media that it believes the Canadian and US legal systems will deliver a fair conclusion&nbsp;Huawei will continue to pay attention to the bail hearing, the company added.

Huawei will continue to pay attention to the bail hearing, the company added.

China on Monday protested Canada's "inhumane" treatment of an executive of telecom giant Huawei who is being held on a US extradition bid, citing reports she was not getting sufficient medical care.

Huawei's chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, has filed court papers in Vancouver arguing she should be released on bail from her Canadian jail.

Wanzhou, 46, the daughter of Huawei's founder, was arrested on December 1 as part of a US investigation while she was changing planes in Vancouver, British Columbia.

After a Canadian court adjourned the decision on bail of Meng Wanzhou, Huawei on Tuesday said in a statement carried by Chinese state media that it believes the Canadian and US legal systems will deliver a fair conclusion Huawei will continue to pay attention to the bail hearing, the company added.

After a Canadian court adjourned the decision on bail of Meng Wanzhou, Huawei on Tuesday said in a statement carried by Chinese state media that it believes the Canadian and US legal systems will deliver a fair conclusion Huawei will continue to pay attention to the bail hearing, the company added. Huawei will continue to pay attention to the bail hearing, the company added. China on Monday protested Canada's "inhumane" treatment of an executive of telecom giant Huawei who is being held on a US extradition bid, citing reports she was not getting sufficient medical care. Huawei's chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, has filed court papers in Vancouver arguing she should be released on bail from her Canadian jail. Wanzhou, 46, the daughter of Huawei's founder, was arrested on December 1 as part of a US investigation while she was changing planes in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Believe Canadian, US legal systems will deliver fair conclusion, says Huawei

China on Monday protested Canada's "inhumane" treatment of an executive of telecom giant Huawei who is being held on a US extradition bid, citing reports she was not getting sufficient medical care.

Huawei's chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, has filed court papers in Vancouver arguing she should be released on bail from her Canadian jail.

In a sworn affidavit, the 46-year-old woman said she has been treated in a Canadian hospital for hypertension since she was arrested on December 1 for possible extradition.

China's state-run Global Times newspaper reported, without citing sources, that "it seems that the Canadian detention facility is not offering her the necessary health care."

"We believe this is inhumane and violates her human rights," foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said at a regular press briefing, citing such reports. 
&nbsp;

China on Monday protested Canada's "inhumane" treatment of an executive of telecom giant Huawei who is being held on a US extradition bid, citing reports she was not getting sufficient medical care.

China on Monday protested Canada's "inhumane" treatment of an executive of telecom giant Huawei who is being held on a US extradition bid, citing reports she was not getting sufficient medical care. Huawei's chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, has filed court papers in Vancouver arguing she should be released on bail from her Canadian jail. In a sworn affidavit, the 46-year-old woman said she has been treated in a Canadian hospital for hypertension since she was arrested on December 1 for possible extradition. China's state-run Global Times newspaper reported, without citing sources, that "it seems that the Canadian detention facility is not offering her the necessary health care." "We believe this is inhumane and violates her human rights," foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said at a regular press briefing, citing such reports.

China accuses Canada of 'inhumane' treatment of Huawei CFO

Chinese telecom giant Huawei's chief financial officer faces US fraud charges related to sanctions-breaking business dealings with Iran, a Canadian court heard Friday, a week after she was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-cfo-arrested-in-canada-faces-extradition-to-us-181757">detained on an American extradition request</a>.

Meng Wanzhou, 46, was arrested in Canada's Pacific coast city of Vancouver on December 1 while changing planes during a trip from Hong Kong to Mexico -- ratcheting up tensions between the United States and China just as the countries' leaders agreed to a truce in their trade war.

A day-long hearing was adjourned until Monday, when the judge is expected to render a decision on bail. Until then, she will remain in custody.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-arrest-canada-pm-justin-trudeau-defends-detaining-meng-wanzhou-182040">Canadian government </a>lawyer John Gibb-Carsley asked for bail to be denied, saying Meng has been accused of "conspiracy to defraud multiple financial institutions" and if convicted faces more than 30 years in prison.

She is specifically accused of lying to a US bank, identified by her lawyer as "Hong Kong Bank," about the use of a covert subsidiary to sell to Iran in breach of sanctions.

Meng had personally denied to bankers any direct connections between Huawei and the subsidiary, SkyCom, when in fact "SkyCom is Huawei," Gibb-Carsley said, putting the bank in jeopardy of violating sanctions. SkyCom's alleged sanctions breaches occurred from 2009 to 2014, while Meng's alleged fraudulent misrepresentations were in 2013.

Meng had been a member of SkyCom's board a decade ago, but the company was later sold, said her lawyer David Martin.

US authorities, however, claim Huawei continued to control the company, with Gibb-Carsley noting that SkyCom employees continued to carry Huawei identification and use its email.

He suggested that Meng has also shown a pattern of avoiding the United States over the past year since becoming aware of the investigation into the matter, arguing that she has no ties to Canada and has access to vast wealth and political connections -- and thus poses a flight risk.

Meng's detention in Canada came on the day of a summit at which US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping agreed to a truce in the escalating trade dispute between the two economic powerhouses.

China says Meng -- the daughter of Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei, a former engineer in China's People's Liberation Army -- has violated no laws in Canada or the United States and has demanded her release.

Washington and Beijing have exchanged steep tariffs on more than $300 billion in total two-way trade, locking them in a conflict that has begun to eat into profits.

Trump tweeted Friday that negotiations to defuse the high-stakes dispute were "going very well," but the messages since Meng's arrest have been mixed, roiling global stock markets.

Her appearance at the British Columbia Supreme Court in Vancouver is a prelude to an extradition process that could take months.

'Princess' of Huawei

CNN, quoting an unnamed official, said the United States saw the arrest as providing leverage in US-China trade talks -- although White House trade advisor Peter Navarro has denied any link to the dialogue.

On Friday, Beijing nevertheless alleged that Meng, known internally as the "princess" of Huawei and possible heir to the throne, had become a pawn in the dispute.

"The Chinese government should seriously mull over the US tendency to abuse legal procedures to suppress China's high-tech enterprises," said the nationalist tabloid Global Times in an editorial.

"Obviously, Washington is resorting to a despicable rogue's approach as it cannot stop Huawei's 5G advance in the market," it went on.

Meng spent most of the past week at a women's detention facility in a suburb of Vancouver.

If she is released on bail, she has agreed to surrender her passports and submit to electronic monitoring until she is discharged or surrendered for trial to the United States. All security costs would be borne by her.&nbsp;

The extradition process could take months, even years, if appeals are made in the case. The court heard Meng's husband Xiaozong Liu owns two mansions in the city.

Repeated setbacks

Canada has a longstanding extradition treaty with the United States, requiring it to cooperate with US Department of Justice requests to hand over suspects.

The offense for which extradition is being sought must also be a crime in Canada.

A Canadian court must decide if there is sufficient evidence to support the extradition, but then it is left to Canada's justice minister to sign the order.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau defended Canada's arrest of Meng, saying politics played no part in the decision.

"I can assure everyone that we are a country (with) an independent judiciary," Trudeau told a tech conference in Montreal.

Huawei's affordable smartphones have made strong inroads in the developing world, but the company has faced repeated setbacks in major Western economies over security concerns.

Canadian officials have said Ottawa was continuing to review Huawei's technology for use in upcoming fifth-generation networks.

The company faces being shut out of Australia, New Zealand and US 5G rollouts, and British telecom group BT revealed on Wednesday it was removing Huawei equipment from its core cellular network.

The five nations together form the "Five Eyes" intelligence alliance.

Chinese telecom giant Huawei's chief financial officer faces US fraud charges related to sanctions-breaking business dealings with Iran, a Canadian court heard Friday, a week after she was detained on an American extradition request.

Chinese telecom giant Huawei's chief financial officer faces US fraud charges related to sanctions-breaking business dealings with Iran, a Canadian court heard Friday, a week after she was detained on an American extradition request. Meng Wanzhou, 46, was arrested in Canada's Pacific coast city of Vancouver on December 1 while changing planes during a trip from Hong Kong to Mexico -- ratcheting up tensions between the United States and China just as the countries' leaders agreed to a truce in their trade war. A day-long hearing was adjourned until Monday, when the judge is expected to render a decision on bail. Until then, she will remain in custody. Canadian government lawyer John Gibb-Carsley asked for bail to be denied, saying Meng has been accused of "conspiracy to defraud multiple financial institutions" and if convicted faces more than 30 years in prison. She is specifically accused of lying to a US bank, identified by her lawyer as "Hong Kong Bank," about the use of a covert subsidiary to sell to Iran in breach of sanctions. Meng had personally denied to bankers any direct connections between Huawei and the subsidiary, SkyCom, when in fact "SkyCom is Huawei," Gibb-Carsley said, putting the bank in jeopardy of violating sanctions. SkyCom's alleged sanctions breaches occurred from 2009 to 2014, while Meng's alleged fraudulent misrepresentations were in 2013. Meng had been a member of SkyCom's board a decade ago, but the company was later sold, said her lawyer David Martin. US authorities, however, claim Huawei continued to control the company, with Gibb-Carsley noting that SkyCom employees continued to carry Huawei identification and use its email. He suggested that Meng has also shown a pattern of avoiding the United States over the past year since becoming aware of the investigation into the matter, arguing that she has no ties to Canada and has access to vast wealth and political connections -- and thus poses a flight risk. Meng's detention in Canada came on the day of a summit at which US President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping agreed to a truce in the escalating trade dispute between the two economic powerhouses. China says Meng -- the daughter of Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei, a former engineer in China's People's Liberation Army -- has violated no laws in Canada or the United States and has demanded her release. Washington and Beijing have exchanged steep tariffs on more than $300 billion in total two-way trade, locking them in a conflict that has begun to eat into profits. Trump tweeted Friday that negotiations to defuse the high-stakes dispute were "going very well," but the messages since Meng's arrest have been mixed, roiling global stock markets. Her appearance at the British Columbia Supreme Court in Vancouver is a prelude to an extradition process that could take months. 'Princess' of Huawei CNN, quoting an unnamed official, said the United States saw the arrest as providing leverage in US-China trade talks -- although White House trade advisor Peter Navarro has denied any link to the dialogue. On Friday, Beijing nevertheless alleged that Meng, known internally as the "princess" of Huawei and possible heir to the throne, had become a pawn in the dispute. "The Chinese government should seriously mull over the US tendency to abuse legal procedures to suppress China's high-tech enterprises," said the nationalist tabloid Global Times in an editorial. "Obviously, Washington is resorting to a despicable rogue's approach as it cannot stop Huawei's 5G advance in the market," it went on. Meng spent most of the past week at a women's detention facility in a suburb of Vancouver. If she is released on bail, she has agreed to surrender her passports and submit to electronic monitoring until she is discharged or surrendered for trial to the United States. All security costs would be borne by her. The extradition process could take months, even years, if appeals are made in the case. The court heard Meng's husband Xiaozong Liu owns two mansions in the city. Repeated setbacks Canada has a longstanding extradition treaty with the United States, requiring it to cooperate with US Department of Justice requests to hand over suspects. The offense for which extradition is being sought must also be a crime in Canada. A Canadian court must decide if there is sufficient evidence to support the extradition, but then it is left to Canada's justice minister to sign the order. On Thursday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau defended Canada's arrest of Meng, saying politics played no part in the decision. "I can assure everyone that we are a country (with) an independent judiciary," Trudeau told a tech conference in Montreal. Huawei's affordable smartphones have made strong inroads in the developing world, but the company has faced repeated setbacks in major Western economies over security concerns. Canadian officials have said Ottawa was continuing to review Huawei's technology for use in upcoming fifth-generation networks. The company faces being shut out of Australia, New Zealand and US 5G rollouts, and British telecom group BT revealed on Wednesday it was removing Huawei equipment from its core cellular network. The five nations together form the "Five Eyes" intelligence alliance.

Huawei's Meng Wanzhou faces US fraud charges linked to Iran, bail hearing to continue on Monday

Chinese state-run media on Friday condemned the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-urges-immediate-release-of-huawei-cfo-meng-wanzhou-181949">arrest in Canada</a> of a top executive of telecoms giant Huawei on a US extradition request as a "despicable rogue's approach" to contain Chinese high-tech ambitions.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-arrest-canada-pm-justin-trudeau-defends-detaining-meng-wanzhou-182040">arrest of Meng Wanzhou,</a> Huawei's chief financial officer, has angered the Chinese government and raised concerns that it could disrupt a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-and-china-called-a-truce-in-the-trade-war-now-what-181070">trade war truce </a>between the world's two biggest economies.

"The Chinese government should seriously mull over the US tendency to abuse legal procedures to suppress China's high-tech enterprises," said the nationalist tabloid Global Times in an editorial.

"Obviously, Washington is resorting to a despicable rogue's approach as it cannot stop Huawei's 5G advance in the market," it said.

The China Daily warned that "containing Huawei's expansion is detrimental to China-US ties."

US authorities have not disclosed the charges she faces following a publication ban sought by Meng, but "one thing that is undoubtedly true and proven is the US is trying to do whatever it can to contain Huawei's expansion in the world simply because the company is the point man for China's competitive technology companies," the daily said.

Though China's technology sector is still reliant on certain US exports like microchips, Beijing wants to transform the country into a global tech leader with a technological prowess rivalling the United States in a plan dubbed "Made in China 2025".

Huawei is one of the world's largest telecommunications equipment and services providers. Its products are used by carriers around the world, including in Europe and Africa.&nbsp;

But its US business has been tightly constrained by worries it could undermine American competitors and that its cellphones and networking equipment, used widely in other countries, could provide Beijing with avenues for espionage.

Australia, New Zealand and Britain have followed suit this year by rejecting some of the company's services over security concerns.

Chinese netizens have criticised Meng's arrest on Weibo, China's Twitter-like platform, where online trolls sometimes deliberately incite nationalist fervour or pro-government stances.

Some users viewed the incident as part of the trade war&nbsp;and a broader conspiracy to keep down China's technological development.&nbsp;

"One of the most important reasons why the US started the trade war was to attack China's technology sector and its 'Made in China 2025' plan," wrote one Weibo user.

The goal is to keep China stuck in "low-end industries and force China into the middle-income trap."

The detention of Meng appears to be a "game of politics", wrote another user.

The Huawei executive's arrest follows a US probe into the company's alleged violations of Iran sanctions.

Earlier this year, another Chinese tech firm ZTE nearly collapsed after Washington banned US companies from selling crucial hardware and software components to it for seven years, though the ban was lifted after it agreed to pay a $1 billion fine.

Chinese state-run media on Friday condemned the arrest in Canada of a top executive of telecoms giant Huawei on a US extradition request as a "despicable rogue's approach" to contain Chinese high-tech ambitions.

Chinese state-run media on Friday condemned the arrest in Canada of a top executive of telecoms giant Huawei on a US extradition request as a "despicable rogue's approach" to contain Chinese high-tech ambitions. The arrest of Meng Wanzhou, Huawei's chief financial officer, has angered the Chinese government and raised concerns that it could disrupt a trade war truce between the world's two biggest economies. "The Chinese government should seriously mull over the US tendency to abuse legal procedures to suppress China's high-tech enterprises," said the nationalist tabloid Global Times in an editorial. "Obviously, Washington is resorting to a despicable rogue's approach as it cannot stop Huawei's 5G advance in the market," it said. The China Daily warned that "containing Huawei's expansion is detrimental to China-US ties." US authorities have not disclosed the charges she faces following a publication ban sought by Meng, but "one thing that is undoubtedly true and proven is the US is trying to do whatever it can to contain Huawei's expansion in the world simply because the company is the point man for China's competitive technology companies," the daily said. Though China's technology sector is still reliant on certain US exports like microchips, Beijing wants to transform the country into a global tech leader with a technological prowess rivalling the United States in a plan dubbed "Made in China 2025". Huawei is one of the world's largest telecommunications equipment and services providers. Its products are used by carriers around the world, including in Europe and Africa. But its US business has been tightly constrained by worries it could undermine American competitors and that its cellphones and networking equipment, used widely in other countries, could provide Beijing with avenues for espionage. Australia, New Zealand and Britain have followed suit this year by rejecting some of the company's services over security concerns. Chinese netizens have criticised Meng's arrest on Weibo, China's Twitter-like platform, where online trolls sometimes deliberately incite nationalist fervour or pro-government stances. Some users viewed the incident as part of the trade war and a broader conspiracy to keep down China's technological development. "One of the most important reasons why the US started the trade war was to attack China's technology sector and its 'Made in China 2025' plan," wrote one Weibo user. The goal is to keep China stuck in "low-end industries and force China into the middle-income trap." The detention of Meng appears to be a "game of politics", wrote another user. The Huawei executive's arrest follows a US probe into the company's alleged violations of Iran sanctions. Earlier this year, another Chinese tech firm ZTE nearly collapsed after Washington banned US companies from selling crucial hardware and software components to it for seven years, though the ban was lifted after it agreed to pay a $1 billion fine.

Huawei arrest a 'despicable rogue' action: Report

President Donald Trump did not know about plans to arrest a top executive at Chinese telecoms giant Huawei in Canada, two US&nbsp;officials said on Thursday, in an apparent attempt to stop the incident from impeding crucial trade talks with Beijing.

The Huawei logo is pictured outside their research facility in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, December 6, 2018.

Huawei Technologies Co Ltd’s chief financial officer, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-huawei-appoints-chairman-as-acting-cfo-after-meng-wanzhous-arrest-182162">Meng Wanzhou</a>, the 46-year-old daughter of the company’s founder,<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-cfo-arrested-in-canada-faces-extradition-to-us-181757"> was detained in Canada </a>on December 1, the same day Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/at-g20-dinner-trump-calls-relationship-with-xi-very-special-180799"> dined together at the G20 summit</a> in Buenos Aires.

A White House official told Reuters Trump did not know about a US&nbsp;request for her extradition from Canada before he met Xi and agreed to a 90-day truce in the brewing trade war.

Meng’s arrest during a stopover in Vancouver, announced by the Canadian authorities on Wednesday, pummeled stock markets already nervous about tensions between the world’s two largest economies on fears the move could derail the planned trade talks.

The arrest of Huawei 'heiress' throws rare spotlight on family

The arrest was made at Washington’s request as part of a US&nbsp;investigation of an alleged scheme to use the global banking system to evade US sanctions against Iran, according to people familiar with the probe.

Another US official told Reuters that while it was a Justice Department matter and not orchestrated in advance by the White House, the case could send a message that Washington is serious about what it sees as Beijing’s violations of international trade norms.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, acknowledged that the arrest could complicate efforts to reach a broader U.S.-China trade deal but would not necessarily damage the process.

Meng’s detention also raised concerns about potential retaliation from Beijing in Canada, where Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sought to distance himself from the arrest.

“The appropriate authorities took the decisions in this case without any political involvement or interference ... we were advised by them with a few days’ notice that this was in the works,” Trudeau told reporters in Montreal in televised remarks.

President Donald Trump did not know about plans to arrest a top executive at Chinese telecoms giant Huawei in Canada, two US officials said on Thursday, in an apparent attempt to stop the incident from impeding crucial trade talks with Beijing.

President Donald Trump did not know about plans to arrest a top executive at Chinese telecoms giant Huawei in Canada, two US officials said on Thursday, in an apparent attempt to stop the incident from impeding crucial trade talks with Beijing. The Huawei logo is pictured outside their research facility in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, December 6, 2018. Huawei Technologies Co Ltd’s chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, the 46-year-old daughter of the company’s founder, was detained in Canada on December 1, the same day Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping dined together at the G20 summit in Buenos Aires. A White House official told Reuters Trump did not know about a US request for her extradition from Canada before he met Xi and agreed to a 90-day truce in the brewing trade war. Meng’s arrest during a stopover in Vancouver, announced by the Canadian authorities on Wednesday, pummeled stock markets already nervous about tensions between the world’s two largest economies on fears the move could derail the planned trade talks. The arrest of Huawei 'heiress' throws rare spotlight on family The arrest was made at Washington’s request as part of a US investigation of an alleged scheme to use the global banking system to evade US sanctions against Iran, according to people familiar with the probe. Another US official told Reuters that while it was a Justice Department matter and not orchestrated in advance by the White House, the case could send a message that Washington is serious about what it sees as Beijing’s violations of international trade norms. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, acknowledged that the arrest could complicate efforts to reach a broader U.S.-China trade deal but would not necessarily damage the process. Meng’s detention also raised concerns about potential retaliation from Beijing in Canada, where Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sought to distance himself from the arrest. “The appropriate authorities took the decisions in this case without any political involvement or interference ... we were advised by them with a few days’ notice that this was in the works,” Trudeau told reporters in Montreal in televised remarks.

White House, Trudeau seek to distance themselves from Huawei move

Arrest of Huawei CFO was only made on judicial basis,  says Justin Trudeau

Breaking News: Another blow to Chinese tech giant Huawei

Japan plans to ban government purchases of equipment from China's Huawei Technologies Co Ltd and ZTE Corp, news agency Reuters reported on Friday citing&nbsp;a person with direct knowledge on the matter.

Accordign to a report by a local newspaper, the government was expected to revise its internal rules on procurement as early as Monday in a bid to prevent intelligence leaks and cyber attacks.

The ban comes a day after the reports of&nbsp;the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-cfo-arrested-in-canada-faces-extradition-to-us-181757">arrest of China's tech giant Huawei's chief financial officer, Meng Wanzou</a> on US extradition request. She was arrested in Vancouver airport for violating US sanction against Iran.

Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/what-you-need-to-know-about-chinese-tech-giant-huawei-181879">&nbsp;What you need to know about Chinese tech giant Huawei</a>

With <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-urges-immediate-release-of-huawei-cfo-meng-wanzhou-181949">China demanding the release of Meng</a>, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau distanced Canada from the arrest saying that the officers who arrested Meng on Saturday as she was changing planes&nbsp;had acted on their own.

"I can assure everyone that we are a country (with) an independent judiciary," Trudeau told a tech conference in Montreal. "And they took this decision without any political involvement or interference."

Meanwhile, China has said that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/arrest-of-huawei-cfo-throws-rare-spotlight-on-family-181953">Meng,&nbsp;the daughter of Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei</a>, a former engineer in China's People's Liberation Army, had violated no laws in either Canada or the United States.

Huawei has also&nbsp;denied any wrongdoing saying&nbsp;that it was compliant with "all applicable laws and regulations where it operates."

Huawei's affordable smartphones have made strong inroads in the developing world, but the company has faced repeated setbacks in major Western economies over security concerns.

Japan plans to ban government purchases of equipment from China's Huawei Technologies Co Ltd and ZTE Corp, news agency Reuters reported on Friday citing a person with direct knowledge on the matter.

Japan plans to ban government purchases of equipment from China's Huawei Technologies Co Ltd and ZTE Corp, news agency Reuters reported on Friday citing a person with direct knowledge on the matter. Accordign to a report by a local newspaper, the government was expected to revise its internal rules on procurement as early as Monday in a bid to prevent intelligence leaks and cyber attacks. The ban comes a day after the reports of the arrest of China's tech giant Huawei's chief financial officer, Meng Wanzou on US extradition request. She was arrested in Vancouver airport for violating US sanction against Iran. Also read: What you need to know about Chinese tech giant Huawei With China demanding the release of Meng, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau distanced Canada from the arrest saying that the officers who arrested Meng on Saturday as she was changing planes had acted on their own. "I can assure everyone that we are a country (with) an independent judiciary," Trudeau told a tech conference in Montreal. "And they took this decision without any political involvement or interference." Meanwhile, China has said that Meng, the daughter of Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei, a former engineer in China's People's Liberation Army, had violated no laws in either Canada or the United States. Huawei has also denied any wrongdoing saying that it was compliant with "all applicable laws and regulations where it operates." Huawei's affordable smartphones have made strong inroads in the developing world, but the company has faced repeated setbacks in major Western economies over security concerns.

Japan to bar Huawei, ZTE from government procurement contracts: Report

A US official has said that Washington is preparing to buy South Korean artillery shells to send to Ukraine. Amid ongoing talks, the officer said that the US wants to send South Korean 155mm artillery shells to Ukraine. Meanwhile, Seoul insisted that its policy against lethal aid for Ukraine remains and that the United States must be the ammunition's end user.&nbsp;

The official further informed that Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) funds will probably be used to purchase the ammunition. However, it was unclear if they would be shipped though the US territory.

South Korea's defence ministry agreed that negotiations are underway, but only under the premise that US would be using the artillery since the country does not provide lethal aid to Ukraine.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-calls-south-korea-us-military-drills-open-provocation-threatens-with-retaliation-531722">North Korea calls South Korea-US military drills 'open provocation', threatens retaliation</a>

"In order to make up for the shortage of 155mm ammunition inventories in the US, negotiations are ongoing between the US and Korean companies to export ammunition," the ministry said in a statement.

Even though South Korea is a US ally, it avoids antagonizing Russia, both for economic reasons and because of the influence that Moscow can exert with North Korea. It stations some 27,000 US troops in the&nbsp;South&nbsp;to help protect it from the nuclear-armed North.

The Wall Street Journal also reported on the matter and said the agreement would involve 100,000 rounds of 155mm artillery rounds that would be delivered to Ukraine.

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South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol said last month that Seoul has not provided any lethal weapons to Ukraine following a statement from Russian President Vladimir Putin that such a decision would destroy bilateral relations. However, Seoul has given non-lethal aid and assistance to Ukraine.

Meanwhile, US National Security spokesperson John Kirby had said last week that North Korea was supplying Russia with a "significant" number of artillery shells of its own for use in Ukraine. Both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied any arms shipments.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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A US official has said that Washington is preparing to buy South Korean artillery shells to send to Ukraine. Amid ongoing talks, the officer said that the US wants to send South Korean 155mm artillery shells to Ukraine.

A US official has said that Washington is preparing to buy South Korean artillery shells to send to Ukraine. Amid ongoing talks, the officer said that the US wants to send South Korean 155mm artillery shells to Ukraine. Meanwhile, Seoul insisted that its policy against lethal aid for Ukraine remains and that the United States must be the ammunition's end user. The official further informed that Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) funds will probably be used to purchase the ammunition. However, it was unclear if they would be shipped though the US territory. South Korea's defence ministry agreed that negotiations are underway, but only under the premise that US would be using the artillery since the country does not provide lethal aid to Ukraine. Also Read | North Korea calls South Korea-US military drills 'open provocation', threatens retaliation "In order to make up for the shortage of 155mm ammunition inventories in the US, negotiations are ongoing between the US and Korean companies to export ammunition," the ministry said in a statement. Even though South Korea is a US ally, it avoids antagonizing Russia, both for economic reasons and because of the influence that Moscow can exert with North Korea. It stations some 27,000 US troops in the South to help protect it from the nuclear-armed North. The Wall Street Journal also reported on the matter and said the agreement would involve 100,000 rounds of 155mm artillery rounds that would be delivered to Ukraine. × South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol said last month that Seoul has not provided any lethal weapons to Ukraine following a statement from Russian President Vladimir Putin that such a decision would destroy bilateral relations. However, Seoul has given non-lethal aid and assistance to Ukraine. Meanwhile, US National Security spokesperson John Kirby had said last week that North Korea was supplying Russia with a "significant" number of artillery shells of its own for use in Ukraine. Both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied any arms shipments. (With inputs from agencies)

News brief: Big stories of the day

Canada on Thursday defended its<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-cfo-arrested-in-canada-faces-extradition-to-us-181757"> arrest of an executive of Chinese tech giant Huawei</a> on a US extradition request as markets wobbled on fears of fresh friction between Washington and Beijing.

With <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-urges-immediate-release-of-huawei-cfo-meng-wanzhou-181949">China demanding the release</a> of Huawei chief financial officer <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/arrest-of-huawei-cfo-throws-rare-spotlight-on-family-181953">Meng Wanzhou</a>, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said officers who arrested her Saturday as she was changing planes in Vancouver had acted on their own.

"I can assure everyone that we are a country (with) an independent judiciary," Trudeau told a tech conference in Montreal. "And they took this decision without any political involvement or interference."

Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/what-you-need-to-know-about-chinese-tech-giant-huawei-181879"> What you need to know about Chinese tech giant Huawei</a>

Citing a court-ordered publication ban sought by Meng, Trudeau declined to comment further on the case, which according to a US senator was brought over Huawei's activities in Iran.

The arrest took place on the same day that the US and Chinese presidents, Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, had met for a long-awaited summit in Buenos Aires and spoken of easing an intensifying trade row.

Markets were chaotic over news of the arrest. On Wall Street, the broad-based S&amp;P Index closed down 0.31 per cent after making up steep early losses.

"The concept of getting a quick resolution is fading," Art Hogan, chief market strategist at B. Riley FBR, said of the trade tensions between the world's two largest economies.

China said that Meng -- the daughter of Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei, a former engineer in China's People's Liberation Army -- had violated no laws in either Canada or the United States.

"We have made solemn representations to Canada and the US, demanding that both parties immediately clarify the reasons for the detention, and immediately release the detainee to protect the person's legal rights," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said in Beijing.

Huawei also said in a statement that it was compliant with "all applicable laws and regulations where it operates."

Huawei's affordable smartphones have made strong inroads in the developing world, but the company has faced repeated setbacks in major Western economies over security concerns.

White House knew in advance

Trump's national security adviser, John Bolton, acknowledged that he knew that Canada was planning to arrest Meng on Saturday just as all eyes were on the summit in Buenos Aires.

"I knew in advance. This is something that we get from the Justice Department," Bolton told National Public Radio.

He said he was not sure whether Trump -- who had trumpeted his summit with Xi as "amazing and productive" as he flew back to Washington -- &nbsp;was also aware.

"These kinds of things happen with some frequency. We certainly don't inform the president on every one of them," he said of the arrest.

Bolton also declined to discuss specifics over Meng's arrest, saying it was a matter for law enforcement.

"But we've had enormous concerns for years," Bolton said, "about the practice of Chinese firms to use stolen American intellectual property, to engage in forced technology transfers, and to be used as arms of the Chinese government's objectives in terms of information technology in particular."

"So not respecting this particular arrest, but Huawei is one company we've been concerned about," he said.

Senator Ben Sasse earlier linked Meng's arrest to US sanctions on Iran, which Trump is trying to squeeze economically after withdrawing from a denuclearization deal.

Sasse said in a statement that China was "working creatively to undermine our national security interests, and the United States and our allies can't sit on the sidelines."

CNN, quoting an unnamed official, said that the United States saw the arrest as providing leverage in trade talks.&nbsp;

Canada fears retaliation

Canada was bracing for a fallout in relations with China, which has been increasingly willing to punish countries it sees as countering its interests.

Canada's cyber security chief said the country could face retaliatory cyber attacks.

"I think one of the key things is that we always have to be resilient no matter what the possible trigger could be," Scott Jones, director of the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, told a press conference.

Jones happened to be presenting his office's first report assessing cyber security threats.&nbsp;

Meng is scheduled to appear in court on Friday for a bail hearing.

Trump and Xi, who were in Argentina for a summit of the Group of 20 major economies, had agreed to set up negotiations to discuss US concerns over China's trade barriers.

In turn, Trump agreed to hold off on raising tariffs from 10 to 25 percent on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods starting in the new year.

Canada on Thursday defended its arrest of an executive of Chinese tech giant Huawei on a US extradition request as markets wobbled on fears of fresh friction between Washington and Beijing.

Canada on Thursday defended its arrest of an executive of Chinese tech giant Huawei on a US extradition request as markets wobbled on fears of fresh friction between Washington and Beijing. With China demanding the release of Huawei chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said officers who arrested her Saturday as she was changing planes in Vancouver had acted on their own. "I can assure everyone that we are a country (with) an independent judiciary," Trudeau told a tech conference in Montreal. "And they took this decision without any political involvement or interference." Also read: What you need to know about Chinese tech giant Huawei Citing a court-ordered publication ban sought by Meng, Trudeau declined to comment further on the case, which according to a US senator was brought over Huawei's activities in Iran. The arrest took place on the same day that the US and Chinese presidents, Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, had met for a long-awaited summit in Buenos Aires and spoken of easing an intensifying trade row. Markets were chaotic over news of the arrest. On Wall Street, the broad-based S&P Index closed down 0.31 per cent after making up steep early losses. "The concept of getting a quick resolution is fading," Art Hogan, chief market strategist at B. Riley FBR, said of the trade tensions between the world's two largest economies. China said that Meng -- the daughter of Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei, a former engineer in China's People's Liberation Army -- had violated no laws in either Canada or the United States. "We have made solemn representations to Canada and the US, demanding that both parties immediately clarify the reasons for the detention, and immediately release the detainee to protect the person's legal rights," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said in Beijing. Huawei also said in a statement that it was compliant with "all applicable laws and regulations where it operates." Huawei's affordable smartphones have made strong inroads in the developing world, but the company has faced repeated setbacks in major Western economies over security concerns. White House knew in advance Trump's national security adviser, John Bolton, acknowledged that he knew that Canada was planning to arrest Meng on Saturday just as all eyes were on the summit in Buenos Aires. "I knew in advance. This is something that we get from the Justice Department," Bolton told National Public Radio. He said he was not sure whether Trump -- who had trumpeted his summit with Xi as "amazing and productive" as he flew back to Washington -- was also aware. "These kinds of things happen with some frequency. We certainly don't inform the president on every one of them," he said of the arrest. Bolton also declined to discuss specifics over Meng's arrest, saying it was a matter for law enforcement. "But we've had enormous concerns for years," Bolton said, "about the practice of Chinese firms to use stolen American intellectual property, to engage in forced technology transfers, and to be used as arms of the Chinese government's objectives in terms of information technology in particular." "So not respecting this particular arrest, but Huawei is one company we've been concerned about," he said. Senator Ben Sasse earlier linked Meng's arrest to US sanctions on Iran, which Trump is trying to squeeze economically after withdrawing from a denuclearization deal. Sasse said in a statement that China was "working creatively to undermine our national security interests, and the United States and our allies can't sit on the sidelines." CNN, quoting an unnamed official, said that the United States saw the arrest as providing leverage in trade talks. Canada fears retaliation Canada was bracing for a fallout in relations with China, which has been increasingly willing to punish countries it sees as countering its interests. Canada's cyber security chief said the country could face retaliatory cyber attacks. "I think one of the key things is that we always have to be resilient no matter what the possible trigger could be," Scott Jones, director of the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, told a press conference. Jones happened to be presenting his office's first report assessing cyber security threats. Meng is scheduled to appear in court on Friday for a bail hearing. Trump and Xi, who were in Argentina for a summit of the Group of 20 major economies, had agreed to set up negotiations to discuss US concerns over China's trade barriers. In turn, Trump agreed to hold off on raising tariffs from 10 to 25 percent on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods starting in the new year.

Huawei arrest: Canada PM Justin Trudeau defends detaining Meng Wanzhou

As Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou gets <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-cfo-to-appear-in-canada-court-as-chinese-media-slam-arrest-182169">set to appear in a Canadian court</a>, China today expressed concern over reports of Japan deciding to ban Huawei and ZTE over cybersecurity.

Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper reported that the government plans to revise internal procurement rules to exclude products made by Huawei and ZTE. &nbsp; &nbsp;

"We express serious concern about the reports. The Chinese government has always encouraged Chinese companies to follow market principles and international rules while conducting overseas investment and corporation&nbsp;in accordance with local laws," the Chinese foreign ministry said.

Wanzhou, 46, was arrested by Canadian authorities on US request over alleged use of global banking system to evade US sanctions on Iran. The Trump administration has requested its allies not to use Huawei and ZTE over cybersecurity fears.

The Yomiuri newspaper said the Japanese government was not likely to communicate the decision officially."We hope that Japan will provide a level playing field for Chinese companies to operate in Japan," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said.

"Huawei and ZTE have legally operated in Japan for a long time. We hope the Japanese side can provide a fair competition environment for Chinese companies operating in Japan and not do anything to harm bilateral corporation and mutual trust," the Chinese foreign ministry said while defending the two companies.

The Chinese foreign ministry said neither Canada nor the US had provided any evidence that Meng had broken the law. US intelligence officials have declared Huawei a national security threat and has been facing 5G ban in Australia and New Zealand.

"China has always protected the legitimate rights of foreigners in China in accordance with the law," the foreign ministry asserted.

Reports said Huawei had appointed Chairman Liang Hua as acting CFO following Meng's arrest. Meng is set to appear for bail hearing on Friday. Huawei said "the company has been provided very little information regarding the charges and is not aware of any wrongdoing by Ms. Meng."

 
&nbsp;

As Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou gets set to appear in a Canadian court, China today expressed concern over reports of Japan deciding to ban Huawei and ZTE over cybersecurity.

As Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou gets set to appear in a Canadian court, China today expressed concern over reports of Japan deciding to ban Huawei and ZTE over cybersecurity. Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper reported that the government plans to revise internal procurement rules to exclude products made by Huawei and ZTE. "We express serious concern about the reports. The Chinese government has always encouraged Chinese companies to follow market principles and international rules while conducting overseas investment and corporation in accordance with local laws," the Chinese foreign ministry said. Wanzhou, 46, was arrested by Canadian authorities on US request over alleged use of global banking system to evade US sanctions on Iran. The Trump administration has requested its allies not to use Huawei and ZTE over cybersecurity fears. The Yomiuri newspaper said the Japanese government was not likely to communicate the decision officially."We hope that Japan will provide a level playing field for Chinese companies to operate in Japan," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said. "Huawei and ZTE have legally operated in Japan for a long time. We hope the Japanese side can provide a fair competition environment for Chinese companies operating in Japan and not do anything to harm bilateral corporation and mutual trust," the Chinese foreign ministry said while defending the two companies. The Chinese foreign ministry said neither Canada nor the US had provided any evidence that Meng had broken the law. US intelligence officials have declared Huawei a national security threat and has been facing 5G ban in Australia and New Zealand. "China has always protected the legitimate rights of foreigners in China in accordance with the law," the foreign ministry asserted. Reports said Huawei had appointed Chairman Liang Hua as acting CFO following Meng's arrest. Meng is set to appear for bail hearing on Friday. Huawei said "the company has been provided very little information regarding the charges and is not aware of any wrongdoing by Ms. Meng."

Serious concern over Japan planning to ban Huawei, ZTE: China

&nbsp;Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday that the detention of Chinese technology giant Huawei's chief financial officer in Canada was an example of "arrogant" US&nbsp;policy abroad.

Speaking at a news conference in Milan, Lavrov said the detention showed how Washington imposes its laws beyond its jurisdiction.

Huawei CFO<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-huawei-appoints-chairman-as-acting-cfo-after-meng-wanzhous-arrest-182162"> Meng Wanzhou</a>, 46, who is also the daughter of the company founder, was<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-cfo-arrested-in-canada-faces-extradition-to-us-181757"> arrested on December 1</a> at the request of the United States.

The arrest, revealed by Canadian authorities late on Wednesday, was part of a US&nbsp;investigation into an alleged scheme to use the global banking system to evade US&nbsp;sanctions against Iran, people familiar with the probe told Reuters.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday that the detention of Chinese technology giant Huawei's chief financial officer in Canada was an example of "arrogant" US policy abroad.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday that the detention of Chinese technology giant Huawei's chief financial officer in Canada was an example of "arrogant" US policy abroad. Speaking at a news conference in Milan, Lavrov said the detention showed how Washington imposes its laws beyond its jurisdiction. Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou, 46, who is also the daughter of the company founder, was arrested on December 1 at the request of the United States. The arrest, revealed by Canadian authorities late on Wednesday, was part of a US investigation into an alleged scheme to use the global banking system to evade US sanctions against Iran, people familiar with the probe told Reuters.

Detention of Huawei CFO Meng shows US arrogance: Russia

China's technology giant Huawei Technologies on Friday appointed Chairman Liang Hua as acting chief financial officer (CFO) following the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-cfo-arrested-in-canada-faces-extradition-to-us-181757">arrest of their present CFO Meng Wanzhou in Canada</a>, news agency Reuters reported.

Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou, 46, who is also the daughter of the company founder, was arrested on December 1 -- same day when US Presidents Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping made a truce on trade war during G20 summit in Argentina.

She was arrested at the request of the United States and was revealed by Canadian authorities late on Wednesday. The arrest was part of a US investigation into an alleged scheme to use the global banking system to evade US sanctions against Iran

Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/what-you-need-to-know-about-chinese-tech-giant-huawei-181879">&nbsp;What you need to know about Chinese tech giant Huawei</a>

She will appear in Vancouver court on Friday for a bail hearing as she awaits possible extradition to the United States.

With <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-urges-immediate-release-of-huawei-cfo-meng-wanzhou-181949">China demanding the release of Meng,</a> Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau distanced Canada from the arrest saying that the officers who arrested Meng while she was changing planes in Vancouver had acted on their own.

"I can assure everyone that we are a country (with) an independent judiciary," Trudeau told a tech conference in Montreal. "And they took this decision without any political involvement or interference."

Meanwhile, China has said that Meng, the daughter of Huawei<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/arrest-of-huawei-cfo-throws-rare-spotlight-on-family-181953"> founder Ren Zhengfei</a>, a former engineer in China's People's Liberation Army, had violated no laws in either Canada or the United States.

Huawei has also denied any wrongdoing saying that it was compliant with "all applicable laws and regulations where it operates."

Huawei's affordable smartphones have made strong inroads in the developing world, but the company has faced repeated setbacks in major Western economies over security concerns.

(With inputs from news agencies)

China's technology giant Huawei Technologies on Friday appointed Chairman Liang Hua as acting chief financial officer (CFO) following the arrest of their present CFO Meng Wanzhou in Canada, news agency Reuters reported.

China's technology giant Huawei Technologies on Friday appointed Chairman Liang Hua as acting chief financial officer (CFO) following the arrest of their present CFO Meng Wanzhou in Canada, news agency Reuters reported. Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou, 46, who is also the daughter of the company founder, was arrested on December 1 -- same day when US Presidents Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping made a truce on trade war during G20 summit in Argentina. She was arrested at the request of the United States and was revealed by Canadian authorities late on Wednesday. The arrest was part of a US investigation into an alleged scheme to use the global banking system to evade US sanctions against Iran Also read: What you need to know about Chinese tech giant Huawei She will appear in Vancouver court on Friday for a bail hearing as she awaits possible extradition to the United States. With China demanding the release of Meng, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau distanced Canada from the arrest saying that the officers who arrested Meng while she was changing planes in Vancouver had acted on their own. "I can assure everyone that we are a country (with) an independent judiciary," Trudeau told a tech conference in Montreal. "And they took this decision without any political involvement or interference." Meanwhile, China has said that Meng, the daughter of Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei, a former engineer in China's People's Liberation Army, had violated no laws in either Canada or the United States. Huawei has also denied any wrongdoing saying that it was compliant with "all applicable laws and regulations where it operates." Huawei's affordable smartphones have made strong inroads in the developing world, but the company has faced repeated setbacks in major Western economies over security concerns. (With inputs from news agencies)

China's Huawei appoints chairman as acting CFO after Meng Wanzhou's arrest

The chief financial officer of China's global telecommunications giant Huawei has been arrested in Canada and faces extradition to the United States, officials said Friday, triggering a strong protest by Beijing, which called for her immediate release.

Meng Wanzhou's detention comes after American authorities reportedly launched an investigation into suspected Iran sanctions by Huawei, which was already under scrutiny by US intelligence officials, who deemed the company a national security threat.

Meng "was arrested in Vancouver on December 1," a statement by Canada's ministry of justice said.&nbsp;

"She is sought for extradition by the United States, and a bail hearing has been set for Friday."

The ministry added it could not provide further details due to a publication ban that was sought by Meng, who is the daughter of Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei, a former Chinese People's Liberation Army engineer.

The Wall Street Journal reported in April that US Department of Justice had opened an investigation into suspected violations of Iran sanctions by Huawei.

The New York Times meanwhile said that the company had been subpoenaed by the Commerce and Treasury Departments over alleged violations of Iran and North Korea sanctions.&nbsp;

China's embassy in Ottawa issued a swift reaction to the news, calling for Meng's release.

"The Chinese side firmly opposes and strongly protests over such kind of actions which seriously harmed the human rights of the victim," the diplomatic mission said in a statement.

"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 Ms Meng Wanzhou."

Huawei added it was unaware of any wrongdoing and was in compliance with all applicable laws.

"The company has been provided very little information regarding the charges and is not aware of any wrongdoing by Ms Meng (Wanzhou)," it said.

Espionage worries

Huawei is one of the world's largest telecommunications equipment and services providers.

But despite global success, its US business has been tightly constrained by worries it could undermine American competitors and that its cellphones and networking equipment, used widely in other countries, could provide Beijing with avenues for espionage.

Over the summer, Australia also barred Huawei from providing 5G technology for wireless networks in the country over espionage fears. New Zealand followed suit in November, but said the issue was a technological one.

In June, Canada's Globe and Mail newspaper reported that US lawmakers warned the Canadian government that Huawei posed a major cybersecurity risk.

Despite being essentially barred from the critical US market, Huawei surpassed Apple to become the world's number two smartphone maker in the second quarter of this year and has market leader Samsung in its sights.

Meng's arrest comes as Ottawa and Beijing have been engaged in exploratory talks on a free trade agreement for the past two years, which would be the first deal of its kind between China and a western country.

The chief financial officer of China's global telecommunications giant Huawei has been arrested in Canada and faces extradition to the United States, officials said Friday, triggering a strong protest by Beijing, which called for her immediate release.

The chief financial officer of China's global telecommunications giant Huawei has been arrested in Canada and faces extradition to the United States, officials said Friday, triggering a strong protest by Beijing, which called for her immediate release. Meng Wanzhou's detention comes after American authorities reportedly launched an investigation into suspected Iran sanctions by Huawei, which was already under scrutiny by US intelligence officials, who deemed the company a national security threat. Meng "was arrested in Vancouver on December 1," a statement by Canada's ministry of justice said. "She is sought for extradition by the United States, and a bail hearing has been set for Friday." The ministry added it could not provide further details due to a publication ban that was sought by Meng, who is the daughter of Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei, a former Chinese People's Liberation Army engineer. The Wall Street Journal reported in April that US Department of Justice had opened an investigation into suspected violations of Iran sanctions by Huawei. The New York Times meanwhile said that the company had been subpoenaed by the Commerce and Treasury Departments over alleged violations of Iran and North Korea sanctions. China's embassy in Ottawa issued a swift reaction to the news, calling for Meng's release. "The Chinese side firmly opposes and strongly protests over such kind of actions which seriously harmed the human rights of the victim," the diplomatic mission said in a statement. "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 Ms Meng Wanzhou." Huawei added it was unaware of any wrongdoing and was in compliance with all applicable laws. "The company has been provided very little information regarding the charges and is not aware of any wrongdoing by Ms Meng (Wanzhou)," it said. Espionage worries Huawei is one of the world's largest telecommunications equipment and services providers. But despite global success, its US business has been tightly constrained by worries it could undermine American competitors and that its cellphones and networking equipment, used widely in other countries, could provide Beijing with avenues for espionage. Over the summer, Australia also barred Huawei from providing 5G technology for wireless networks in the country over espionage fears. New Zealand followed suit in November, but said the issue was a technological one. In June, Canada's Globe and Mail newspaper reported that US lawmakers warned the Canadian government that Huawei posed a major cybersecurity risk. Despite being essentially barred from the critical US market, Huawei surpassed Apple to become the world's number two smartphone maker in the second quarter of this year and has market leader Samsung in its sights. Meng's arrest comes as Ottawa and Beijing have been engaged in exploratory talks on a free trade agreement for the past two years, which would be the first deal of its kind between China and a western country.

Huawei founder's daughter arrested in Canada on suspicion of violating US sanctions

Losses on Wall Street deepened in late-morning trade on Thursday as the arrest of a key Chinese executive at the urging of the United States exacerbated trade war fears.

Near 1630 GMT, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 2.3 per cent at 24,446.09 after earlier falling more than three per cent. The blue-chip index has lost almost 1,400 points in the last two sessions.

The broad-based S&amp;P slid 2.0 per cent to 2,645.74, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index shed 2.4 per cent to 6,998.19.

The drops, which pushed both the Dow and S&amp;P 500 into the red for 2018, came after the arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou in Canada for extradition to the United States in an investigation into suspected Iran sanctions violations by the telecom giant.

The Meng arrest stirred tensions just as the United States and China agreed to a ceasefire in their trade spat while negotiators seek a deal within three months.

"The concept of getting a quick resolution is fading," said Art Hogan, chief market strategist at B&nbsp;Riley FBR.&nbsp;

After rallying on Monday following the US-China ceasefire on tariffs announced over the weekend, US markets had fallen sharply on Tuesday on scepticism about the agreement.&nbsp;

US markets were closed on Wednesday because of the funeral of former President George HW&nbsp;Bush but resumed their downward move on Thursday following the Meng arrest.

Other headwinds facing stocks include worries over slowing US growth that is prompting greater uncertainty on whether the Federal Reserve will increase interest rates later this month.

Petroleum-linked stocks were also down amid a pullback in oil prices as OPEC members debated a production cut.

Large banks were particularly weak, with Bank of America losing four per cent, Citigroup 5.6 per cent and JPMorgan Chase 3.5 per cent as investors now view the odds of a Fed rate hike on December 19 at 69.8 per cent, down from 82.7 per cent a week ago, according to futures markets.

Boeing also suffered outsized losses, shedding 6.2 per cent on trade war fears and as the aerospace giant continues to face scrutiny following an October 29 accident in Indonesia in which 189 people died.&nbsp;

The head of the carrier, Lion Mentari Airlines, has reportedly threatened to cancel orders of additional Boeing planes.

Losses on Wall Street deepened in late-morning trade on Thursday as the arrest of a key Chinese executive at the urging of the United States exacerbated trade war fears.

Losses on Wall Street deepened in late-morning trade on Thursday as the arrest of a key Chinese executive at the urging of the United States exacerbated trade war fears. Near 1630 GMT, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 2.3 per cent at 24,446.09 after earlier falling more than three per cent. The blue-chip index has lost almost 1,400 points in the last two sessions. The broad-based S&P slid 2.0 per cent to 2,645.74, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index shed 2.4 per cent to 6,998.19. The drops, which pushed both the Dow and S&P 500 into the red for 2018, came after the arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou in Canada for extradition to the United States in an investigation into suspected Iran sanctions violations by the telecom giant. The Meng arrest stirred tensions just as the United States and China agreed to a ceasefire in their trade spat while negotiators seek a deal within three months. "The concept of getting a quick resolution is fading," said Art Hogan, chief market strategist at B Riley FBR. After rallying on Monday following the US-China ceasefire on tariffs announced over the weekend, US markets had fallen sharply on Tuesday on scepticism about the agreement. US markets were closed on Wednesday because of the funeral of former President George HW Bush but resumed their downward move on Thursday following the Meng arrest. Other headwinds facing stocks include worries over slowing US growth that is prompting greater uncertainty on whether the Federal Reserve will increase interest rates later this month. Petroleum-linked stocks were also down amid a pullback in oil prices as OPEC members debated a production cut. Large banks were particularly weak, with Bank of America losing four per cent, Citigroup 5.6 per cent and JPMorgan Chase 3.5 per cent as investors now view the odds of a Fed rate hike on December 19 at 69.8 per cent, down from 82.7 per cent a week ago, according to futures markets. Boeing also suffered outsized losses, shedding 6.2 per cent on trade war fears and as the aerospace giant continues to face scrutiny following an October 29 accident in Indonesia in which 189 people died. The head of the carrier, Lion Mentari Airlines, has reportedly threatened to cancel orders of additional Boeing planes.

Wall Street stocks suffer losses after Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou's arrest

Like many top Chinese executives, Meng Wanzhou is a mysterious figure even in her home country, but the 46-year-old chief financial officer of Huawei Technologies had been widely tipped to one day take the helm of the tech giant her father founded.

That was until her shock arrest in Canada at the request of US authorities on Wednesday, a move that has entangled her in the protracted diplomatic tensions between Washington and Beijing. Her fate is now uncertain.

A source familiar with the matter told Reuters the arrest stems from Huawei Technologies Co Ltd's alleged violation of US sanctions on Iran. Similar allegations of breaching US export restrictions led to rival Chinese telecoms equipment maker ZTE Corp being hit with a devastating ban and heavy fines this year.

Huawei said in a statement that it had been provided with little information "about the charges" against Meng, who is also one of the vice chairs of its board and the daughter of founder Ren Zhengfei from his first marriage. Huawei added that it was "not aware of any wrongdoing by Ms Meng".

The detention of Meng, who takes her family name from her mother and has also used the English first names "Cathy" and "Sabrina", has once again thrown the spotlight on Huawei at a time of heightened global concerns over electronic security.

Much of the scrutiny stems from Ren's background with China's People's Liberation Army (PLA), where he worked as a civilian engineer for nearly a decade until his departure in 1983, after helping to build its communications network.

Officials in some governments, particularly the United States, have voiced concern that his company is close to the Chinese military and government. Huawei has repeatedly insisted Beijing has no influence over it.

LOW PROFILE

Ren, 74, founded the Chinese telecommunications company in 1988 and, like his elder daughter, has largely kept a low profile.

But in a rare move, he posed last month for a family photo shoot for French lifestyle magazine Paris Match with his younger daughter and current wife.

Annabel Yao, 20, Meng's half-sister, posed in front of a grand piano with her mother, identified by the magazine as Yao Ling, and Ren, who wore a blue shirt with his hand resting on his smiling daughter's shoulder.

A Huawei spokesman confirmed to Reuters that Yao is Ren's wife. Few outsiders had previously heard of the younger daughter, a Harvard computer science student and ballerina. She recently made a high-profile appearance at the exclusive Le Bal Debutante ball in Paris.

Huawei is privately held and describes itself as employee-owned. Though Ren owns only around 1.4 per cent of the shares, employees say he has supreme leadership within the company, frequently communicating to staff scattered throughout the world via internal memos.

Huawei, now China's largest technology company by employees, with more than 180,000 staff and revenue of $93 billion in 2017, started off selling digital telephone switches in the 1990s.

It won its first big overseas contract for fixed-line network products from Hong Kong's Hutchison-Whampoa in 1996. Today, Huawei's domestic and overseas revenue is equally split, according to the 2017 annual report.

Huawei derives around half of its revenue from supplying equipment to telecoms carriers around the world. It has overtaken Sweden's Ericsson and Finland's Nokia to be the world's largest telecoms equipment maker by revenue.

Smartphones have become another key business in recent years, pitting it against Apple Inc and Samsung Electronics in the highly competitive market.

HEIR APPARENT

According to Huawei's website, Meng joined the company in 1993, obtained a master's degree from Huazhong University of Science and Technology in 1998, and rose up the ranks over the years, mostly holding financial roles.

She has held the positions of director of the international accounting department, CFO of Huawei Hong Kong, and president of the accounting management department, according to the website.

In her first media appearance before the Chinese press in 2013, Meng said she had first joined the company as a secretary "whose job was just to take calls".

She also said she was married with a son and a daughter and that her husband did not work in the industry, dismissing speculation she was married to a senior Huawei executive.

Meng's importance at Huawei became apparent in 2011 when she was first named as a board member. Company insiders describe her as capable and hardworking.

While her brother, Meng Ping, as well as her father's younger brother and his current wife all work at Huawei and related companies, none has held such senior management roles.

"The other family members are in back office, Sabrina is CFO and sits on the board," a Huawei source said. "So she is viewed as the boss's most likely successor."

Like many top Chinese executives, Meng Wanzhou is a mysterious figure even in her home country, but the 46-year-old chief financial officer of Huawei Technologies had been widely tipped to one day take the helm of the tech giant her father founded.

Like many top Chinese executives, Meng Wanzhou is a mysterious figure even in her home country, but the 46-year-old chief financial officer of Huawei Technologies had been widely tipped to one day take the helm of the tech giant her father founded. That was until her shock arrest in Canada at the request of US authorities on Wednesday, a move that has entangled her in the protracted diplomatic tensions between Washington and Beijing. Her fate is now uncertain. A source familiar with the matter told Reuters the arrest stems from Huawei Technologies Co Ltd's alleged violation of US sanctions on Iran. Similar allegations of breaching US export restrictions led to rival Chinese telecoms equipment maker ZTE Corp being hit with a devastating ban and heavy fines this year. Huawei said in a statement that it had been provided with little information "about the charges" against Meng, who is also one of the vice chairs of its board and the daughter of founder Ren Zhengfei from his first marriage. Huawei added that it was "not aware of any wrongdoing by Ms Meng". The detention of Meng, who takes her family name from her mother and has also used the English first names "Cathy" and "Sabrina", has once again thrown the spotlight on Huawei at a time of heightened global concerns over electronic security. Much of the scrutiny stems from Ren's background with China's People's Liberation Army (PLA), where he worked as a civilian engineer for nearly a decade until his departure in 1983, after helping to build its communications network. Officials in some governments, particularly the United States, have voiced concern that his company is close to the Chinese military and government. Huawei has repeatedly insisted Beijing has no influence over it. LOW PROFILE Ren, 74, founded the Chinese telecommunications company in 1988 and, like his elder daughter, has largely kept a low profile. But in a rare move, he posed last month for a family photo shoot for French lifestyle magazine Paris Match with his younger daughter and current wife. Annabel Yao, 20, Meng's half-sister, posed in front of a grand piano with her mother, identified by the magazine as Yao Ling, and Ren, who wore a blue shirt with his hand resting on his smiling daughter's shoulder. A Huawei spokesman confirmed to Reuters that Yao is Ren's wife. Few outsiders had previously heard of the younger daughter, a Harvard computer science student and ballerina. She recently made a high-profile appearance at the exclusive Le Bal Debutante ball in Paris. Huawei is privately held and describes itself as employee-owned. Though Ren owns only around 1.4 per cent of the shares, employees say he has supreme leadership within the company, frequently communicating to staff scattered throughout the world via internal memos. Huawei, now China's largest technology company by employees, with more than 180,000 staff and revenue of $93 billion in 2017, started off selling digital telephone switches in the 1990s. It won its first big overseas contract for fixed-line network products from Hong Kong's Hutchison-Whampoa in 1996. Today, Huawei's domestic and overseas revenue is equally split, according to the 2017 annual report. Huawei derives around half of its revenue from supplying equipment to telecoms carriers around the world. It has overtaken Sweden's Ericsson and Finland's Nokia to be the world's largest telecoms equipment maker by revenue. Smartphones have become another key business in recent years, pitting it against Apple Inc and Samsung Electronics in the highly competitive market. HEIR APPARENT According to Huawei's website, Meng joined the company in 1993, obtained a master's degree from Huazhong University of Science and Technology in 1998, and rose up the ranks over the years, mostly holding financial roles. She has held the positions of director of the international accounting department, CFO of Huawei Hong Kong, and president of the accounting management department, according to the website. In her first media appearance before the Chinese press in 2013, Meng said she had first joined the company as a secretary "whose job was just to take calls". She also said she was married with a son and a daughter and that her husband did not work in the industry, dismissing speculation she was married to a senior Huawei executive. Meng's importance at Huawei became apparent in 2011 when she was first named as a board member. Company insiders describe her as capable and hardworking. While her brother, Meng Ping, as well as her father's younger brother and his current wife all work at Huawei and related companies, none has held such senior management roles. "The other family members are in back office, Sabrina is CFO and sits on the board," a Huawei source said. "So she is viewed as the boss's most likely successor."

Arrest of Huawei CFO throws rare spotlight on family

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday firmly opposed the arrest of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/what-you-need-to-know-about-chinese-tech-giant-huawei-181879">Huawei's chief financial officer</a> in Vancouver, Canada and urged an immediate release of her.

Geng Shuang, spokesman of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, made the remarks at a regular press briefing in Beijing. Huawei's CFO Meng Wanzhou was detained in Canada at the request of the United States and the US is seeking her extradition.

"China has made clear its solemn position separately to Canada and the United States, requesting them to immediately clarify the reasons for detention, immediately release the detainee and guarantee the legitimate rights and interests of the person concerned," said Geng.

Geng also said that China provided consular assistance to the person concerned and lodged solemn representations to Canada and the United States right upon learning about the case.

"China urges the Canadian side to earnestly guarantee the safety, humanitarian treatment, legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens," said Geng.

Chinese tech giant Huawei on Thursday denied any wrongdoing by its corporate CFO Meng after she was provisionally detained by the Canadian authorities.

Huawei said the company has been provided very little information regarding the charges and is not aware of any wrongdoing by Meng.

Huawei said in a statement that the company complies with all applicable laws and regulations where it operates, including applicable export control and sanction laws and regulations of the UN, the US and EU.

"The company believes the Canadian and US legal systems will ultimately reach a just conclusion," said the statement.

Meng was provisionally detained by the Canadian authorities on behalf of the US, when she was transferring flights in Canada, according to the statement.

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday firmly opposed the arrest of Huawei's chief financial officer in Vancouver, Canada and urged an immediate release of her.

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday firmly opposed the arrest of Huawei's chief financial officer in Vancouver, Canada and urged an immediate release of her. Geng Shuang, spokesman of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, made the remarks at a regular press briefing in Beijing. Huawei's CFO Meng Wanzhou was detained in Canada at the request of the United States and the US is seeking her extradition. "China has made clear its solemn position separately to Canada and the United States, requesting them to immediately clarify the reasons for detention, immediately release the detainee and guarantee the legitimate rights and interests of the person concerned," said Geng. Geng also said that China provided consular assistance to the person concerned and lodged solemn representations to Canada and the United States right upon learning about the case. "China urges the Canadian side to earnestly guarantee the safety, humanitarian treatment, legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens," said Geng. Chinese tech giant Huawei on Thursday denied any wrongdoing by its corporate CFO Meng after she was provisionally detained by the Canadian authorities. Huawei said the company has been provided very little information regarding the charges and is not aware of any wrongdoing by Meng. Huawei said in a statement that the company complies with all applicable laws and regulations where it operates, including applicable export control and sanction laws and regulations of the UN, the US and EU. "The company believes the Canadian and US legal systems will ultimately reach a just conclusion," said the statement. Meng was provisionally detained by the Canadian authorities on behalf of the US, when she was transferring flights in Canada, according to the statement.

China urges immediate release of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou 

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