Trudeau fires Canadian ambassador to China after controversy

Image copyrightReutersImage caption

PM Trudeau (R) appointed John McCallum (L) ambassador to China in 2017

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has fired Canada's ambassador to China, in the wake of controversy over a high-profile extradition case.

Mr Trudeau said in a statement he had asked John McCallum to step down, but did not offer a reason.

Last month, Canada arrested a top official at the Chinese telecoms giant Huawei, on a request from the US.

The detention of Meng Wanzhou angered China and soured its relations with both Canada and the US.

In January, a Canadian man was sentenced to death in China, after a court said a jail term of 15 years was too lenient.

Two other Canadians were arrested following the detention of Ms Meng.

• Canada 'alone' in China and Huawei dispute

• No politics behind Huawei arrest - Trudeau

• Meng Wanzhou: Trapped in a gilded cage

Announcing Mr McCallum's departure, Mr Trudeau said: "Last night I asked for and accepted John McCallum's resignation as Canada's Ambassador to China."

He said the veteran diplomat had served Canadians honourably and with distinction with many positions in cabinet, and thanked him and his family for their service.