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US slams China for imprisoning Canadian man linked to Huawei case

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The US has joined the global chorus of voices demanding for China to release a Canadian man who the has been detained on spying charges

The US is among countries calling for China to immediately release a Canadian businessman from prison. Chinese officials have sentenced Michael Spavor for up to 11 years for “spying on China’s national secrets”.

Has ‘hostage diplomacy’ implicated Spavor’s case?

Chinese authorities detained both Spavor and a former Canadian diplomat, Michael Kovrig. This came shortly after Canada arrested top Huawei executive Meng Wangzhou at Vancouver airport for violating sanctions against Iran.

Federal prosecutors have accused Kovrig of “using an ordinary passport and business visa to enter China to steal sensitive information and intelligence through contacts in China”.

Canada claims that Spavor’s arrest is a case of ‘hostage diplomacy’. The day prior, China upheld a death sentence for another Canadian Robert Schellenberg on drug smuggling charges.

Michael Spavor: Canadian businessman sentenced by Chinese court to 11 years  in prison for spying | CNN
Michael Spavor talks during a video interview on March 2, 2017.

The arrest of Huawei’s Meng Wanzhou

However, Chinese officials reject this claim. They’ve demanded for Canada to release Meng, who they claim is being held hostage at the at the behest of the US.

Chinese authorities had initially sentenced Schellenberg to 15 years in prison. However, federal prosecutors changed the verdict to a death sentence shortly after Canadian officials arrested Meng.

Meng’s extradition hearings are in their last few weeks. Canada’s Justice Minister will make a decision in the next few months as to whether to extradite Meng.

Key events in Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou's extradition case | Reuters
Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou leaving a court in Canada, 2021.

International backlash

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says that Spavor’s conviction and sentencing was “absolutely unacceptable and unjust”.

“The verdict for Mr. Spavor comes after more than two and a half years of arbitrary detention, a lack of transparency in the legal process, and a trial that did not satisfy even the minimum standards required by international law,” he said.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken has also slammed the proceedings against both Spavor and Kovrig.

“We join our partners in condemning Beijing’s sentencing of Canadian citizen Michael Spavor,” he said in a statement. “People are not bargaining chips.”

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Natasha is an Associate Producer at ticker NEWS with a Bachelor of arts from Monash University. She has previously worked at Sky News Australia and Monash University as an Online Content Producer.

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Hamas trusts Trump, risks hostages for peace deal

Hamas trusts Trump to broker hostage deal as gamble for peace despite past concerns over Israeli actions

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Hamas trusts Trump to broker hostage deal as gamble for peace despite past concerns over Israeli actions

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In Short:
– Hamas called Trump a racist but believes he may help facilitate peace with Israel.
– Ongoing negotiations are uncertain, with Hamas optimistic despite lacking formal guarantees.
Hamas has called Donald Trump a racist and a “recipe for chaos.” However, a phone call from Trump convinced Hamas that he might facilitate a peace deal with Israel, even if they surrender their hostages.
Under the agreement, which began on Friday, Hamas will release hostages without a commitment from Israel to withdraw. This decision is seen as precarious, with fears that hostilities may resume post-release, similar to events following a previous ceasefire.Banner

During indirect negotiations, Trump’s involvement reportedly reassured Hamas leaders, bolstering their confidence in a lasting ceasefire.

Future Uncertain

Negotiations continue over details such as the timetable for Israeli troop withdrawal.

The mediating role of Qatar and Turkey has been pivotal, alongside U.S. participation, in moving discussions forward.

Hamas has shifted its stance on hostage retention, viewing it as detrimental to global support for their cause. Nonetheless, they received no formal guarantees regarding the progression towards a more comprehensive agreement to end the conflict.

Despite awareness of the risks involved in their gamble, Hamas leaders seem optimistic about ongoing talks, with pressures from mediators fostering a sense of seriousness in negotiations from both sides.

Trump’s anticipated visit to the region is expected to reinforce these developments, even as complexities remain in finalising the terms of the deal.


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Trump announces 100% tariff on China amid tensions

Trump announces 100% tariffs on China, imposing export controls after Beijing’s restrictions on rare-earth minerals escalate trade tensions

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Trump announces 100% tariffs on China, imposing export controls after Beijing’s restrictions on rare-earth minerals escalate trade tensions

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In Short:
– Trump plans a 100% tariff on China from November 1, sparking stock declines and heightening tensions.
– U.S.-China relations are strained, with potential severe impacts on U.S. industries due to export restrictions.
President Trump announced plans to impose a 100% additional tariff on China effective November 1, along with new export controls on crucial software products.
The decision follows China’s recent restrictions on rare-earth minerals, essential for industries like semiconductors and electric vehicles. Trump expressed disbelief over China’s actions, which have escalated tensions that had ostensibly improved after months of trade negotiations.Banner

The tariff announcement sparked a significant drop in U.S. stocks, marking the worst day for the S&P 500 since April.

While some administration officials advocate restarting trade talks from scratch, there is a looming opportunity for both countries to negotiate before the tariffs take effect. Trump left room for negotiations, suggesting the timeline could allow for de-escalation.

Export Controls

The conflict between the U.S. and China underscores the volatile relationship between the two major economies. Beijing’s decision to tighten export controls aims to leverage its position and weaken Trump’s negotiating stance.

The U.S. government is evaluating additional countermeasures and sanctions in response. Observers note that while both countries have expressed a desire for dialogue, securing an enduring agreement has proven challenging, with past resolutions quickly unraveling.

The potential implications of these export restrictions could be severe for various U.S. industries. Firms have warned about significant production halts if they cannot access critical rare-earth elements from China. Analysts suggest that the situation could compel both sides to reconsider their positions to prevent further economic fallout.


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Israel and Hamas agree to landmark hostage deal

Israel and Hamas agree to release hostages in U.S.-brokered deal, marking a potential turning point in Gaza conflict.

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Israel and Hamas agree to release hostages in U.S.-brokered deal, marking a potential turning point in Gaza conflict.


In a major diplomatic breakthrough, Israel and Hamas have agreed to release all remaining Israeli hostages under a U.S.-brokered framework. The deal pairs prisoner exchanges with an Israeli troop pullback and expanded aid access, marking a potential turning point in the two-year Gaza conflict.

The agreement, set for approval by Israel’s cabinet, could pave the way for lasting peace if both sides uphold the terms. It follows weeks of negotiations led by U.S. envoys and regional mediators in Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye.

As international agencies prepare to facilitate aid and logistics, the world watches to see whether this fragile deal can hold and bring relief to millions affected by the war.

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