HONG KONG - The Chinese Embassy in Canada on Tuesday criticized Canada’s “Megaphone Diplomacy” after Canada issued the so-called Declaration Against Arbitrary Detention with some other countries.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the embassy said it “lodged stern representations with the Canadian side” after Canada deliberately arranged someone from the Human Rights Watch to accuse China of “arbitrary detention” of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor at the launch of the declaration on Feb 15.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy said it “lodged stern representations with the Canadian side” after Canada deliberately arranged someone from the Human Rights Watch to accuse China of “arbitrary detention” of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor

“(This) is totally fact-distorting and ill-intentioned. The Chinese side expresses its strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition over this,” the spokesperson said. “I would like to stress once again that China is a country with rule of law.”

The spokesperson said Kovrig and Spavor were arrested and prosecuted by competent authorities of China in accordance with the law for suspected crimes undermining China's national security. 

“Chinese judicial organs handle the cases independently according to law and their lawful rights have been guaranteed. The Canadian side’s attempt to pressure China by using ‘Megaphone Diplomacy’ or ganging up is totally futile and will only head towards a dead end,” the spokesperson said.

ALSO READ: Reset sought in Canada for China ties

The spokesperson noted that it is well known to all that the Meng Wanzhou case is a completely political incident. 

“Canada has arbitrarily detained Ms Meng Wanzhou, an innocent Chinese citizen who violates no Canadian law at all, for over two years,” the spokesperson said. 

 “By doing so, the Canadian side has grossly trampled the legitimate rights and interests of the Chinese citizen, which is arbitrary detention in every sense of the term,” the spokesperson added.

The spokesperson pointed out that the Canadian side claims that it upholds the rule of law and opposes arbitrary detention but then it acts “as an accomplice of the US, and helps the US to use Meng Wanzhou as a bargaining chip to oppress Chinese enterprises.”

READ MORE: Canadian politicians urged to stop unprovoked smear attacks

“This kind of act is no different from a thief shouting to catch a thief. How hypocritical and despicable!” the spokesperson said.

“The Chinese side once again urges the Canadian side to reflect on its wrongdoing, release Meng Wanzhou immediately, make sure she can return to China safe and sound, and stop creating new obstacles in bilateral relations in any form,” the spokesperson added.