Former prime minister Jean Chretien hospitalized in Hong Kong

Former Canadian prime minister Jean Chretien has been hospitalized after falling ill in Hong Kong.

According to The Canadian Press, Tung Chee-hwa, a former leader of the semi-independent Chinese territory, told attendees at the U.S.-China Trade and Economic Relations Forum that Chretien arrived for the conference feeling poorly and was hospitalized as a precaution.

Chee-hwa and Chretien were supposed to have breakfast Tuesday morning.

Chretien – who is highly regarded by the Chinese government – has suggested that Canada cancel proceedings to extradite Huawei Technologies executive Meng Wanzhou to improve relations with our two countries, and potentially win the release of two Canadians detained in China.

The former prime minister has continued working on business links between China and North America since he went back to private life in 2003.

No further details on his condition have been released.