Ex-Canadian diplomat 'detained' in China

 

He was associated with International Crisis Group.

 

In a statement, the group on Wednesday said: "The International Crisis Group calls for the immediate release of its North East Asia Senior Adviser Michael Kovrig. Michael was detained on Monday night in Beijing by the Beijing Bureau of Chinese State Security. Crisis Group has received no information about Michael since his detention and is concerned for his health and safety. We are making every effort to learn more and to secure consular access to Michael from the Chinese authorities."

Michael has been a full-time expert for Crisis Group since February 2017. 

 

"Though a former Canadian diplomat, he no longer works for the Canadian government and is employed solely by Crisis Group. Throughout his time with the organisation, Michael has distinguished himself for his rigorous and impartial reporting, regularly interviewing Chinese officials to accurately reflect their views in our work," the group said.

He is a noted and sought after contributor on security issues in North East Asia, particularly relating to China, Japan and the Korean peninsula, it said. 

 

Among his recent publications are a paper about China's expanding role in peace and security in Africa and contributions to pieces on the North Korean nuclear crisis. 

Crisis Group is an independent organisation that conducts field research and offers policy recommendations to help end deadly conflicts worldwide. 

 

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