Port Coquitlam mayor worried about China's reaction to Meng Wanzhou court case

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — Port Coquitlam’s mayor says Canada needs to have a more balanced relationship with China.

In response to the B.C. Supreme Court ruling the Huawei executive, Meng Wanzhou case, mayor Brad West says his thoughts are for the “two Michaels.”

A former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor were arrested shortly after Meng’s arrest in December of 2018.

He says at the moment Canada has an unhealthy relationship with China where “they have dictated the terms of the relationship.”

But in light of the Meng case update Wednesday, West says he’s unsure of what Beijing’s reaction will be.

“Throughout this process, they have continued to threaten our country and threatened that if our country, followed the rule of law that there would be consequences,” he says.

West adds this could potentially be the opportunity for Ottawa to “grow a backbone and a spine and work with international partners around the world who share our values to put pressure on the government of China. Now is the time.”

West has been a critical voice against China’s perceived influence in local politics in Metro Vancouver.