China has said two Canadians who have been detained since December have been formally arrested for crimes linked to taking state secrets.
Former diplomat Michael Kovrig is suspected of "collecting state secrets and intelligence" while businessman Michael Spavor is suspected of "stealing and illegally offering state secrets" abroad, said Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang at a press briefing.
Mr Spavor, who worked with North Korea, and Mr Kovrig were picked up separately, shortly after Canada arrested Huawei Technologies Co Ltd Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou, who faces extradition to the United States.
China has repeatedly demanded Ms Meng be released, and has reacted angrily to extradition proceedings against her in a Canadian court.
"According to Chinese prosecutors' approval, Michael Kovrig,due to being suspected of crimes of gathering state secrets and intelligence for foreign (forces), and Michael Spavor, for being suspected of crimes of stealing and illegally providing state secrets for foreign (forces), have in recent days been approved for arrest according to law," Mr Lu said.
China has taken the measures in accordance with the law, he said.
China hoped Canada "will not make irresponsible remarks"about China's law enforcement and judicial proceedings, Lu added.
Canadian diplomats have been allowed to visit the two men in detention.
In March, China accused the two of involvement in stealingstate secrets.
China has said it is fully guaranteeing both men's lawful rights. Mr Kovrig also holds Hungarian citizenship and works for the International Crisis Group (ICG) non-governmental organisation which focuses on conflict resolution.
With their formal arrest, they could soon face trial, though it is unclear when that may be.
While Canada says China has made no specific link between the detentions of the two men and Ms Meng's arrest, experts and former diplomats say they have no doubt it is using their cases to pressure Canada.
Ms Meng, 47, is the daughter of Huawei Technologies Co Ltd's billionaire founder, Ren Zhengfei.
She was arrested at Vancouver's airport in December on a US warrant and is fighting extradition on charges that she conspired to defraud global banks about Huawei's relationship with a company operating in Iran.
Ms Meng was released from jail in December on bail and must wear an electronic ankle bracelet and pay for security guards.
Both she and the company have denied the US charges
