Ex-diplomats, scholars urge China to release Canadians

A group of former diplomats and academics have signed an open letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping calling for the release of two Canadians who have been detained on allegations of espionage.Former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor were last month arrested in China for activities that "endanger China's security" -- a phrase often used by Beijing when alleging espionage.The letter said both Kovrig and Spavor worked to improve understanding of China and to promote better rel