From AFP:
Beijing has criticised a decision by Canada to grant a work permit to a Chinese citizen charged with smuggling and considered one of the country’s most wanted fugitives, the Beijing News reported Saturday.
“Canada’s conduct has prompted the strong disapproval of the Chinese people and China is extremely concerned by the Canadian decision,” the newspaper quoted foreign ministry spokesman Jiang Yu as saying.
Yu said that although Canada had insisted it was not a refuge for criminals, “the attitude shown by Canada is totally different”.
Canadian Immigration Minister Jason Kenney said Thursday that authorities had decided to give Lai Changxing a visa. Canada’s courts have refused to deport him citing concerns over China’s treatment of prisoners.