Ottawa looks into report Canadians detained in China

OTTAWA - Canada on Monday said it was looking into a report in Chinese media that two Canadians have been arrested for spying.

If the arrests are confirmed they would ratchet up tensions in the bilateral relationship less than a week after Canada accused China of hacking into its science agency computers.

"We are aware of reports that two Canadians have been detained in China. We are gathering information and monitoring developments closely," a foreign ministry statement said.

"Canadian consular officials stand ready to provide assistance, as required. To protect the private and personal information of the individuals concerned, further details on this case cannot be released," it added.

Canada last week accused China of hacking into the computers of its research and development arm, which Beijing strongly denied.

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