Former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig was arrested and detained in China on Tuesday, the Canadian government confirmed.
The arrest came amid tensions between the countries following the arrest in Canada of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou, who awaits possible extradition to the United States to face fraud charges.
Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale confirmed Kovrig's arrest and added "we are deeply concerned and [Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland] and her officials will be taking all appropriate action."