Coercive measures have been taken against two Canadians on suspicion of jeopardizing China's national security, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said on December 13.

According to China's Criminal Law and the Criminal Procedure Law, the Beijing Municipal Bureau of State Security and the State Security Bureau in the northeastern Chinese city of Dandong in Liaoning Province respectively took coercive measures against the two people according to the law on December 10, Lu said.

"According to what I know, the Beijing Municipal Bureau of State Security and Liaoning Provincial Bureau of State Security have notified the Canadian Embassy in Beijing," Lu said. "The two persons' lawful rights have been guaranteed."

Lu said China has always maintained a positive and open attitude while communicating with the outside world.

"China welcomes foreign tourists and citizens to travel to China to carry out normal friendly exchanges, including doing business and studying," he said. "As long as they abide by Chinese laws and regulations, there is actually nothing to worry about."

From January to November 2018, Canadians made 780,000 visits to China, said Lu, adding that this figure is much higher than the number of Chinese citizens visiting Canada during the same period.

Lu said the figures are partly indicative. "Whether China is safe or not, the people of Canada can make their own judgment."

(Xinhua News Agency December 13, 2018)