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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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Greenland says “No” to U.S. takeover — Chooses Denmark in geopolitical showdown

Greenland’s PM chooses Denmark over U.S. amid Trump’s controversy over Arctic control, emphasizing sovereignty and local sentiment.

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Greenland’s PM chooses Denmark over U.S. amid Trump’s controversy over Arctic control, emphasizing sovereignty and local sentiment.


Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens‑Frederik Nielsen has delivered a clear message amid renewed pressure from the U.S. — if forced to choose between the United States and Denmark, Greenland will pick Denmark, NATO, and the EU.

Nielsen made the declaration in Copenhagen alongside Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen ahead of diplomatic talks with top U.S. officials.

The announcement comes as U.S. President Donald Trump has again stoked controversy by suggesting Washington could pursue ownership or control of Greenland, citing strategic interests in the Arctic. European leaders and Greenlandic officials have pushed back strongly against these ideas, emphasising sovereignty and respect for international law.

This standoff places Greenland’s future in the spotlight — as Copenhagen and Nuuk reaffirm their ties, local sentiment remains overwhelmingly opposed to U.S. annexation and supportive of Greenland’s own path forward.

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#Greenland #Trump #Denmark #ArcticPolitics #NATO #Geopolitics #InternationalRelations


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Trump promises aid amid Iran unrest

Trump urges Americans in Iran to evacuate amidst escalating protests and vows support for protesters seeking freedom.

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Trump urges Americans in Iran to evacuate amidst escalating protests and vows support for protesters seeking freedom.


President Trump has called on Americans in Iran to evacuate as tensions escalate following the government’s violent crackdown on antigovernment protesters. He has ruled out negotiations and encouraged protesters to continue their efforts, hinting that aid could be on the way.

The unrest in Iran has reportedly resulted in over 2,000 deaths, including both protesters and security forces. U.S. officials are reportedly weighing various responses, from sanctions to potential military options, though no immediate action has been confirmed.

Trump delivered a direct message to the people of Iran, emphasising support for their push for freedom and safety amid the growing crisis.

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#IranProtests #Trump #USPolitics #MiddleEastCrisis #HumanRights #EvacuationAlert #GlobalNews #TickerNews


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Trump escalates pressure on the Federal Reserve with Powell probe

Trump administration investigates Fed Chair Powell, raising concerns over political pressure on monetary policy and economic stability.

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Trump administration investigates Fed Chair Powell, raising concerns over political pressure on monetary policy and economic stability.


The Trump administration has launched a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, dramatically escalating tensions between the White House and the central bank.

The probe centres on Powell’s testimony over a controversial renovation of the Federal Reserve’s headquarters, raising alarm over whether political pressure is being applied to monetary policy decisions.

The move has sparked fierce debate in Washington, with critics warning it could undermine investor confidence and destabilise economic expectations.

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#FederalReserve #JeromePowell #DonaldTrump #USPolitics #MonetaryPolicy #Markets #Inflation #TickerNews


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