Beijing: Chinese state media has claimed “significant progress” in the case against detained Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, alleging they were linked as a spy and intelligence contact.

Multiple reports on Monday evening came two days after Canada said it would go ahead with an extradition hearing against Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou. Meng is next due in court on Wednesday.

The apparently tit for tat detentions have severely strained Canada’s relationship with China, and sent a chill through Western think-tank circles.

Detained in China: Canadian nationals Michael Kovrig (left) and Michael Spavor. Credit:AP

China’s state broadcaster CGTN, the state news agency Xinhua, and tabloid Global Times reported that Kovrig had entered China multiple times since 2017 on an ordinary passport and business visa and had “stolen and spied on China’s sensitive information and intelligence through people in China”.