By Canadian Press

‘Fact’ two Canadian planes left China empty, says minister after China denial

Apr 23, 2020 | 2:18 PM

OTTWAWA, Ont. — Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne says today it is a matter of “fact” that two Canadian planes left China empty of supplies this week.

Champagne was commenting on the remarks a day earlier by the spokesman for China’s foreign ministry who said it was “inaccurate” for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to say earlier this week that two Canadian planes left China without the medical supplies that they had been sent to pick up because of congestion at the airport and strict limits on time crews spend on the ground.

Champagne also tells The Canadian Press that Canada understands the Shanghai airport is a busy place these days, but he is working with his Chinese counterpart to ensure there are no future empty cargo flights.

Champagne says he is pushing for “virtual” diplomatic access to two arbitrarily detained Canadians, Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, who are marking their 500th day in Chinese captivity.

Canada is trying to overcome China’s restrictions on access to prisons during the COVID-19 crisis that have prevented regular consular visits since earlier in the year.

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Champagne says China is obligated under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations to allow Canada to check on the well-being of the two men, and his Chinese counterpart is considering the request.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 23, 2020.

The Canadian Press