China is hitting back at Canada after Global Affairs imposed new measures aimed at ensuring Canada isn't complicit in the use of forced labour in China's Xinjiang region.

Two Canadians detained in China have received increased access to family following 'agreements' Canada has obtained, a new government statement said.

The government is telling businesses to closely examine their supply chains, following reports of forced labour in the Xinjiang region.

Canada and its allies have "significant" concerns about China, Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan said, including its unpredictability and refusal to play by the rules.

The federal government is facing criticism after a report that senior civil servants opposed a military plan to stop training Chinese soldiers.

Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor are being held on suspicion of national security crimes but neither it nor Canada has released specifics about their cases.

Dominic Barton says Chinese authorities were completely paranoid about COVID-19 as they denied consular access to the two men from January to November.

Canada's foreign affairs minister said the federal government won't comment on pending legal cases, but said Ottawa is following developments in Meng's case "very closely."

Two Canadians currently detained in China remain Canada's 'top priority,' the prime minister said Friday amid reports of a possible deal.

Testifying before the House of Commons Canada-China relations committee, Champagne is urging MPs not to give in to the temptation to tough talk that won't help Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig.