The Canadian reporter’s question that upset China’s visiting foreign minister

OTTAWA – An IPolitics reporter asked a question of Foreign Affairs Minister Stephane Dion at a news conference in Ottawa this week attended by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

It touched on human rights and the case of Canadian Kevin Garratt, who has been jailed in China on espionage charges

It drew a sharp response from Wang, who said the question reflected “arrogance,” was “irresponsible” and “full of prejudice.”

Following is the text of the question:

“There are no shortages of concerns about China’s treatment of human rights advocates such as the Hong Kong booksellers and its detention of the Garratts, not to mention the destabilizing effects of its territorial ambitions in the South China Sea. Given these concerns, why is Canada pursuing closer ties with China, how do you plan to use that relationship to improve human rights and security in the region and did you specifically raise the case of the Garratts during your discussions with the foreign minister today?”