The Australian government has expressed concerns to China over its detention of two Canadian citizens, following in the steps of countries including the US and UK.
Entrepreneur Michael Spavor and former diplomat and think-tank expert Michael Kovrig were detained in China in early December, days after Canadian police arrested Huawei chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou in Vancouver.
Foreign Minister Marise Payne said officials had been in touch with counterparts in Canada and shared Australia's position on the detentions with Chinese diplomats.
"The Australian government is concerned about the recent detention of two Canadian citizens in China," Ms Payne said in a statement made available to AAP on Monday.
"We would be very concerned if these cases were related to legal proceedings currently underway in Canada involving a Chinese citizen, Ms Meng Wanzhou.
"The Australian government has conveyed this position to Chinese counterparts and we have been in regular contact with Canadian officials."
The US, Britain and European Union issued statements showing support for Canada about 10 days ago, after it called for its two citizens to be immediately released.
Mr Spavor and Mr Kovrig are accused of harming China's national security, while Ms Wanzhou is wanted by the US over fraud charges linked to the alleged evasion of sanctions on Iran.
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