Chinese state media is reporting that a former Canadian diplomat is being questioned on suspicion of harming China's national security.
Michael Kovrig, who now works for the International Crisis Group, was detained in the country on Monday, just days after the arrest of Huawei's chief financial officer in Canada.
The Canadian government says it sees no explicit link to the Huawei case, adding it is seeking consular access to Kovrig as soon as possible.
Diplomats in China suggest Beijing could accuse the ICG of spying, which the group has denied.
Meanwhile, China's foreign ministry gave no details about Kovrig's arrest, but said the ICG was not registered in China and its activities in the country were illegal.
The ICG closed its Beijing office two years ago due to changes in Chinese laws regarding NGOs.
