Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said on Thursday that Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor have been arrested for allegedly stealing state secrets.
"We always act in accordance with the law,and we hope that Canada will not make irresponsible remarks on China's legal construction and judicial handling,"Lu said at a regularly scheduled news conference.
Lu gave no other details. Kovrig is a former Canadian diplomat and expert at the International Crisis Group,and Spavor is a businessman with lengthy experience in North Korea.
China had earlier accused the two of conspiring together to steal Chinese state secrets.
Canada condemned the"arbitrary action taken by the Chinese."
"We will continue to demand the appropriate treatment,"said Canadian Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale.
"In the case of the two Michaels they should be released. We believe that very strongly. There is no evidence that has been produced that would indicate any validity to the allegations made against them."