Canadian Christians Detained in China Over 'Theft of State Secrets'

Two Canadian Christians are currently being held by the Chinese government on accusations of spying, the Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed Tuesday.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed this week that Kevin Garratt and Julia Dawn Garratt, Canadian nationals, "are under investigation for suspected theft of state secrets about China's military and national defense research," adding that the couple's actions had "harmed China's state security activities."

Before their arrest, the Garratts, who are practicing Christians, previously managed a coffee shop in the town of Dandong, located in China's northeast, near its border with North Korea. Media outlets are suggesting that possibly the Garratts' arrest is related to their religious affiliation, but regardless of the reason, the recent investigation is sure to put strain on Beijing's relationship with Ottawa.

Simeon Garratt, the 27-year-old son to Kevin and Julie, told the Wall Street Journal that he finds his parents' recent arrest to be shocking and unfounded.

"I just find this whole situation so crazy when pretty much all my parents have done for the last 30 years is dedicate their lives to helping people in China," Garratt, who lives in Canada, told the media outlet. "My best guess is honestly some sort of miscommunication or misunderstanding and it led to my parents paying the price."

"As of right now my parents are being held in an undisclosed location. I have heard that they're safe but they're just a bit confused. They actually have no idea what's going on," Garratt added to The Canadian Press.

The couple's younger son, Peter, is reportedly still living in Dandong with his parents, and was able to notify family members of his parents' detention.