File photo: VCG

Chinese Foreign Ministry summons US Ambassador Terry Branstad over the arrest of a Huawei top executive in Canada, said the ministry in a statement Sunday.

Canadian authorities said they detained Meng Wanzhou, Chief Finance Officer of China's biggest telecom equipment maker Huawei, at the request of the US. Meng was arrested over US accusation of breaching Iran sanctions while in transit at Vancouver airport last week. 

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Le Yucheng strongly protested and lodged solemn representations over Meng’s arrest and demanded the US side to drop the arrest warrant immediately. 

What the United States has done severely violates Chinese citizen's legitimate rights and interests, and is vile in nature, said Le in a statement.

China firmly opposes the United States' moves and strongly urges the US side to attach great importance to China's solemn stance, take immediate measures to correct the wrong practices, and withdraw the arrest warrant against the Chinese citizen, he said.

A Canadian court is hearing the case against Meng and remains undecided whether to allow bail. 

The detention severely violated a Chinese national's lawful and legitimate rights, said Le, adding that China’s further response will depend on what actions the US will take.