China has released a Canadian woman on bail who is under investigation for undermining state security while her husband has been detained on spying charges, the foreign ministry said yesterday.

An undated picture of Julia and Kevin Garratt (center) with son Peter and daughter Hannah. The couple were detained last August.[Photo/Shanghai Daily]

Kevin Garratt and Julia Dawn Garratt, a Christian couple who ran a coffee shop in Dandong, a city on the border with North Korea, were detained last August.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei said Julia Garratt was "granted bail pending trial" on Tuesday by national security authorities in Dandong.

Kevin Garratt was placed in criminal detention the same day "on the charge of spying and stealing state secrets," Hong said, adding that both Garratts are suspected of "committing activities undermining China's state security."

"The relevant case is under investigation. The Chinese government will protect their lawful rights and interests in accordance with law," Hong added.

Canada voiced concern yesterday over Kevin Garratt's detention while welcoming the release of his wife. "While we welcome the recent decision to release Julia Garratt, the government of Canada remains very concerned with the detention of Mr Garratt. We have raised the case at the highest levels and will continue to raise it with senior officials," the office of junior foreign minister Lynne Yelich said in a statement.

The Garratts first moved to China in the 1980s and said they had been active in helping send humanitarian aid to North Korea.

Julia Garratt is barred from leaving China for one year, according to a statement released through Beijing-based lawyer James Zimmerman.

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