‘Operation Fox Hunt’ casts shadow over Li Keqiang visit to Ottawa

OTTAWA – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is defending a possible extradition treaty with China, saying it gives Canada a venue to raise serious issues.

Trudeau is under fire from opposition parties for pursuing the treaty, which is a feature of a new high-level security dialogue he established with Beijing on his recent visit.

READ MORE: Canada-China extradition treaty: Here’s what you need to know

The Conservatives and NDP say China’s frequent use of the death penalty, among other things, makes it a bad candidate for an extradition treaty with Canada.

WATCH: Prime Minister Trudeau talks possible extradition treaty with China

2:34 Prime Minister Trudeau talks possible extradition treaty with China

As he prepares to welcome Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to Ottawa today, Trudeau says Canada will never approve the extradition of anyone facing the death penalty.

READ MORE: Justin Trudeau dodges questions on extradition discussions with China

Trudeau wants to use the visit to deepen economic co-operation, following his trip to China three weeks ago.

But the spectre of China’s pursuit and harassment of so-called economic fugitives – “Operation Fox Hunt” – and other dissidents is casting a shadow over the arrival of China’s premier.