Meng Wanzhou reflects on fear, hope and kindness of Canadians on anniversary of arrest

Meng Wanzhou, the Chinese technology executive facing possible extradition to the U.S., has been reading books, completing oil paintings and noting thekindness of Canadians as she awaits continued court proceedingsfrom Vancouver, according to an open letter.

On the anniversary of her arrest at Vancouver International Airport, Mengreflectson her year in Canada, in a blog post titled"Your warmth is a beacon that lights my way forward"that was published on the official Huawei website.

The postsaysMengnever intended to be in Canada as long as she has,and that, at times, it's been a struggle of fear, disappointment and "torment."

The tone of the piece is more positive than negative, but acontrast to the experience of two Canadians jailed in China weeks after her arrest.

"Over the past year, I have also learned to face up to and accept my situation," Meng writes."I'm no longer afraid of the unknown."

Meng, 47, was arrested at the Vancouver airporton Dec. 1, 2018. Shehas been living in one of two multimillion-dollar homes she owns in the B.C. city since she was released on $10-million bail in the weeks after she was first detained.

The conditions of her release restrict her movements to the Vancouver area. She is also monitored by a team of security guards and wears a specialankle bracelet,but can have visitors and communicate freely.

American authorities want to prosecute her for fraud in relation to statements she allegedly made in 2013 to an HSBC bank executive in Hong Kong about Huawei's relationship with a company doing business in Iran.

News reports at the time suggested the company,Skycom,was actually a Huawei subsidiary.

Prosecutors saidthat, by claiming otherwise, Meng induced four banks into possible violations of U.S sanctions laws against Iran, putting them at risk of fines and criminal liability.

• Meng Wanzhou's alleged offence not a crime in Canada, her lawyers argue

The blog postrecountsnone of these details, but lyrically illustrates how much Meng'slife has changed since she was "stretched thin" conducting business for Huawei from Shenzhen,Guangdong, where the company has its headquarters.

"If a busy life has eaten away at my time, then hardship has in turn drawn it back out," the blog reads.

Meng saysshe nowpasses her timemore slowly and is able to read books, linger over conversations and "carefully complete an oil painting."

Much of the blog givesthanks for support for her ordeal from Huawei colleagues, customers and suppliers.

Beijing notes arrest anniversary

The Foreign Ministry in Beijing issued its own statement to mark the one-year anniversary of Meng's arrest, callingher detainment "a serious political incident."

As translated by CBC News, ministry spokespersonHua Chunyingsaid:"China's position onMengWanzhou's case is consistent and clear. The United States and Canada have abused their bilateral extradition treaties and arbitrarily taken coercive measures against Chinese citizens that seriously violated the legitimate rights and interests of the Chinese citizen.

"We once again strongly urge Canada to take seriously China's solemn stance and concerns, take practical measures to correct its mistakes, release Ms.MengWanzhou as soon as possibleand ensure that she returns to home safely."

Hua said she was "deeply moved" after readingMeng's anniversary post.

"She has experienced so much pain, disappointment, and helplessness, yet she still faces the situation with strength and grace. It is very admirable."

Cites kindness from Canadians

Toward the end of her post, Meng writesshe has been"deeply moved by the kindness of people in Canada." In particular, she thanksthe Metro Vancouver institution where she was held before being released on bail.

"Thanks to the kindness of the correctional officers and other inmates at the Alouette Correctional Center [sic]for Women, I was able to make it through the worst days of my life," the blog says.

The post also saysa security company's staff shovelled a path for her at home so her elderly mother could visit.

It says all the kindness and goodwill has given her strength.

"I no longer feel so far from home ... I'm no longer afraid of the rough road ahead. While my personal freedoms have been limited, my soul still seeks to be free. Amidst these setbacks, I've found light in the life around me."

Canadian detainees

Dec.18 will mark the anniversary of the detainment by Chinese officials of two Canadians in China, Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig. The two were charged months laterwith "endangering state security," but the Chinese have been accused of arresting the men to retaliate againstMeng's arrest.

According to Global Affairs Canada, Canadian officials have been granted consular access more than a dozen times to assess the men's well-being, provide legal guidance and help them communicate with loved ones.

Meng did not mention the men in her post.

Canadian officials have saidSpavor and Kovrighave faced multiple hours of questioning over several days daysand do not have access to a lawyer. Other Canadians who have been detained in China have saidconditions are difficult.

The first phase of Meng'sextradition hearing is expected to begin in January.

For an in-depth look at the arrest of Meng Wanzhou in Vancouver, subscribe to the CBC podcast Sanctioned: The Arrest of a Telecom Giant. Theoriginal podcast explores how the arrest of the Huawei CFOthrust Canada into the middle of an international technology trade war. Hosted by CBC Radio One'sStephen Quinn, the eight-part podcast can be found on all podcast streaming platforms.