Perspective: release of the detained teacher Sarah McIver

The release of the detained teacher Sarah McIver, who was working in China illegally should not be confused with the previous two detentions presumably over the alleged retaliation as a result of the detention of Meng Wanzhou, the CFO of HUAWEi who is being held on instructions from Washington as part of an extradition treaty between Canada and the USA.  The other two have been accused of endangering China’s National security.  These are serious charges and should not be dismissed jokingly.  Let the law run its course.

Canadians must obey the laws of China.  You cannot be accusing Beijing of arbitrary detention when your citizens are breaking China’s immigration laws.  What is good for the geese should be good for the gander. Failure to respect China’s domestic laws is tantamount to gangsterism.  Ottawa must stand on guard and protect the interest of Canadians, Global Affairs Canada and Ottawa, must be singing from the same hymn sheet.  We do not condone arbitrary detentions as a retaliatory move to settle cross-border disputes.  Freeland and Trudeau need to wake up and smell the tea or coffee.  Hypocrisy may be a form of diplomacy,  but the two should not be confused with each other.

We are delighted that Ms Sarah McIver has arrived safely back in Canada and the Chinese authorities have acted within their law.  Good for them.

Utterances by President Trump alluding to want to strike a deal over Meng’s detention is sending the wrong signal. Extradition is serious business and should not be politicised. A judge can use Trump’s comments to deny Meng’s extradition.  We hope an alert lawyer will take note.  Justice should not only be done, but appear to be done. Any attempt to tamper or contaminate the course of justice should be frowned on.  Did Trump do just that?

We hope this impasse will end soon as it could harm trade. Canada needs to stand on it’s own feet and protect its economic interest also. Washington’s bread is already buttered. Has Canada’s wheat been planted yet?

What is your perspective?

Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie is Senior International Correspondent for Vision Newspaper Canada.