A Canadian citizen was punished for working in China illegally, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson said Thursday during a regular press conference.

Hua Chunying, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson. (File photo)

The Canadian citizen has received an administrative penalty by local police, said Hua Chunying, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson.

China and Canada maintain smooth consular communication, and China will provide the necessary assistance for Canada to perform normal consular duties, Hua said.