[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] A Canadian court is set to decide the fate of Meng Wanzhou (47), Vice Chairwoman and daughter of Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei, on the 27th (local time), Bloomberg reported on the 26th.
According to the report, the British Columbia Supreme Court will determine whether Meng's case meets Canada's extradition requirements.
If the judge rules that Meng's case does not meet the extradition criteria, Meng will be released from house arrest. Otherwise, the extradition process requested by the United States will continue.
The key issue is whether the 'double criminality' requirement is satisfied.
This means that the alleged crime must be recognized as a crime in both the requesting and requested countries to proceed with extradition. Meng's defense argues that, unlike the U.S., Canada did not impose sanctions on Iran at the time the extradition process began, so the extradition conditions are not met.
Previously, Meng was arrested on December 1, 2018, at Vancouver International Airport in Canada while transiting from Hong Kong to Mexico via Canada.
The arrest charges claim that Meng committed financial fraud by deceiving HSBC Bank during business dealings with Iran, a U.S. sanctioned country.
China has urged the Canadian court to correct its mistake ahead of the trial.
Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated at a regular briefing, "Our position on Meng's case is clear," and protested, "The United States and Canada are abusing the extradition treaty."
Zhao added, "Both countries are imposing coercive measures on Chinese citizens and infringing on their legitimate rights," calling it "a serious political incident."
He also emphasized, "The Chinese government's determination to protect the legitimate rights of its citizens remains unwavering," and insisted, "Canada must correct its mistake and immediately release Meng."
Furthermore, he warned, "Canadian authorities should release Meng and allow her to return safely to China," adding, "This is necessary to prevent further deterioration of China-Canada relations."
Since Meng's arrest, relations between China and Canada have worsened, with China detaining two Canadians on national security grounds.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said last week regarding Meng's case, "Canada has an independent judiciary that politicians cannot interfere with or ignore," and added, "China does not operate this way and seems not to understand judicial independence."
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