The Canadian government has been notified that the trial for consultant Michael Spavor will begin Friday, while former diplomat Michael Kovrig will be in court Monday. Trials in China regularly wrap within a day; the charges against the Canadians carry a maximum penalty of life in prison. (The Logic)

Talking point: The men have been in Chinese custody for more than 800 days over allegations of spying. They were arrested on Dec. 10, 2018, a little over a week after Canadian authorities detained Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou at the request of the U.S. Her extradition trial is underway, with Meng’s lawyers arguing Canada showed a “flagrant disregard” for the Constitution and courts. Meanwhile, officials from China and the U.S. are set to meet in Alaska today with discussions focusing on trade, human rights and other issues, though no agreements are expected. The talks come a day after the Biden administration subpoenaed multiple Chinese companies over possible national security risks. His administration has signalled to Justin Trudeau that the U.S. is willing to do all that is possible to facilitate the Michaels’ release, but only after a review of U.S.-China relations is finished, sources told The Globe.