WASHINGTON (AP)

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says the detention of two Canadian citizens in China is unlawful and is calling for them to be released.

China detained the two Canadians this week in apparent retaliation for the arrest of a top Chinese tech executive in Canada on behalf of the United States.

Pompeo spoke after he and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis met with their Canadian counterparts in Washington on Friday.

The talks came amid the escalating dispute with China, which threatens to further complicate ties between the North American neighbors.