Canadian PM Trudeau says two detained citizens have left China

Reuters

Published Sep 25, 2021 02:27

Updated Sep 25, 2021 10:46

OTTAWA (Reuters) - Two Canadian citizens who were detained by Beijing for more than 1,000 days have left Chinese airspace and will arrive back in Canada early on Saturday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters on Friday.

Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor were picked up in December 2018, shortly after Vancouver police arrested Huawei Technologies Co Ltd Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou on a U.S. warrant. Shortly before Trudeau spoke, Canadian media reported that Meng flew back to China after reaching a deal with U.S. authorities.

"Twelve minutes ago Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor left Chinese airspace on their way back home," Trudeau told reporters in brief remarks.

"These two men have been through an unbelievably difficult situation, but it is inspiring and it is good news for all of us that they are on their way home to their families."