Ooh, Where’s Michael Spavor? A Canadian Mysterious Disappearance in China
In a twist that feels like a plot from a spy thriller, Ottawa has just announced that the second Canadian—yes, the second—getting in a tight spot in China is Michael Spavor. He’s been Houdini‑style absent since the last time he had a chat with Canadian officials.
Meet the Man Behind Paektu Cultural Exchange
Spavor (the name that rings now with every rumor about North Korea trips) runs the Paektu Cultural Exchange, a quirky outfit that arranges business, tourist, and sport adventures to the secretive DPRK. He even helped Dennis Rodman—yes, the former NBA star—make a controversial sock‑soaked visit to the country.
What Happened?
Shortly after Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig was nabbed by Chinese authorities during a trip to Beijing, Spavor vanished. According to the Canadian foreign ministry’s spokesperson, Guillaume Berube, “We’re scouring every possible lead because Spavor told us he’d been questioned by Chinese officials.” The ministry is buzzing with urgency, trying to pin down his location and raising the issue with China’s government.
Investigations & Suspicion
- Chinese state media says Spavor is under investigation for allegedly harming China’s national security.
- The probe reportedly began on December 10, led by the Dandong city branch of China’s Ministry of State Security.
- Meanwhile, Kovrig is also under suspicion of “engaging in activities” that threaten national security, as reported by Beijing News.
A Quick Back‑story on the diplomatic drama
Picture this: just over a week ago, Ottawa had already stirred a pot in Beijing by arresting Ms. Meng Wanzhou, Huawei’s CFO, at Washington’s behest. She was released after a court in Vancouver set bail at a cool C$10 million (about S$10.3 million). Fast forward—now both Canadian men are flagged, causing a tension‑tide between the two giants.
Takeaway
Not just a case about missing persons; it’s a geopolitical chess game where every move, every disappearance, sends ripples across the world. Only time will tell where Spavor ends up—and how Canada will salvage this tangled web.
