Canada did not make concessions to China to secure the return of a Canadian citizen who spent two years in jail and was convicted of spying, Foreign Minister Stephane Dion insisted on Friday.

Kevin Garratt, charged in January with spying and stealing state secrets, was convicted Tuesday, released on bail and then deported to Canada on Thursday.

The unexpected release prompted speculation on what Ottawa might have offered China, which is seeking a free trade deal with Canada, more relaxed investment rules, and the extradition of what Beijing has said are corrupt officials.