Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou leaves the British Columbia Supreme Court with her security team, in Vancouver, Canada, on Tuesday. A Canadian police officer refused to testify at Meng's latest extradition hearing, which sparked more suspicions, and the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Wednesday noted the essence of the case became much clearer -- politics.
Officials from China's Consulate General in Vancouver, Canada, paid a visit to Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou at her residence and expressed empathy to her on Tuesday -- marking two years that she has been detained by Canadian authorities.
"At this moment when you have been unjustly detained by Canada for two years, I am entrusted by the Foreign Ministry to convey to you the cordial sympathy of the Chinese government. I would like to stress that the Chinese government is firmly committed to safeguarding the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of its citizens and will continue to take all necessary measures to this end," Consul General Tong Xiaoling, accompanied by two other officials from the consulate, told Meng, according to a news released on the website of the consulate.
Tong said that Meng's case has proved to be a serious political prosecution against her. The US government's real purpose was to suppress Chinese high-tech enterprises and impede China's scientific and technological development. The Canadian government in this case has acted as an accomplice of the US, and bears unshakable responsibility.
"We once again urge the Canadian side to immediately correct its mistakes and allow you to return to the homeland safely and freely at an early date. We will continue to provide you with adequate consular protection service. We hope you will be firm in your determination to protect yourself against the epidemic, and maintain your physical and mental health," Tong added.
In view of the current COVID-19 situation in British Columbia, the visit was conducted outdoors. Relevant personnel have strictly followed local epidemic prevention rules, taken personal protection measures and maintained social distance.