Wang Yuesheng, who was accused of obtaining “trade secrets to benefit the People’s Republic of China, to the detriment of Canada’s economic interests,” is seeking bail for what prosecutors say is the first economic espionage charge under a law that is more than two decades old. (The Globe and Mail)

Talking point: The charge comes amid rising geopolitical tensions after Canada ordered Chinese companies to divest from Canadian lithium miners, and as North America tries to build its own battery supply chain outside of China. The police have said they believe Wang’s conduct was criminal, and that Wang published scientific articles and submitted patents with Chinese entities rather than the public utility. Wang’s lawyer said more evidence will be available by Friday when the judge will decide on bail. It’s a first step in a bail process that is expected to take longer than usual given the amount of information to review. Prosecutors said he is considered a flight risk at this point.