And turning now to China... where authorities have launched an investigation into allegations... that a Canadian couple stole military secrets, threatening national security.
Paul, gives us the details on this case?
Beijing's Foreign Ministry announced on Tuesday, that Kevin Garratt and his wife... Julia Dawn Garratt... were under investigation by the state security bureau, however, their current whereabouts are unknown.
According to Xinhua News Agency, the Canadian couple is being suspected of collecting and stealing intelligence on Chinese military targets... and key national defense research programs.
Neither the Foreign Ministry nor Xinhua... clarified if the couple had been detained, although the government has notified the Canadian embassy in Beijing that the couple's rights have been *quote "fully guaranteed."
The Vancouver couple had reportedly been living in China since 1984... working as English teachers,... before eventually opening a coffee shop in the northwestern city of Dandong.
Amid the spying allegations, experts are pointing to a Christian prayer and training center... said to be operated by the Garratts,... which was frequented by North Koreans returning home.
They say their overtly religious activities along the North Korean border... may have raised objections from officials in Pyongyang, where religion is banned... and missionary work draws severe punishment.
