In a development that has further strained diplomatic relations between Canada and China, Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly announced that four Canadian citizens were executed in China earlier this year on drug-related charges. The individuals, all holding dual citizenship, were subjected to China’s stringent penalties for drug offenses, a practice that has drawn international criticism.
Canada’s Response
Foreign Minister Joly expressed strong condemnation of the executions, stating, “We strongly condemn the executions. I asked personally for leniency… They were all dual citizens.” She emphasized Canada’s consistent opposition to the death penalty and noted that both she and former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had appealed for clemency in these cases. The identities of the executed individuals have been withheld at the request of their families.
Global Affairs Canada spokeswoman Charlotte MacLeod reiterated the government’s stance against capital punishment and confirmed ongoing consular support for the affected families. She also highlighted Canada’s continued advocacy for Robert Schellenberg, another Canadian sentenced to death in China for drug smuggling.
China’s Position
The Chinese embassy in Ottawa defended the executions, citing the severity of the crimes and China’s zero-tolerance policy toward drug-related offenses. A spokesperson stated, “China always imposes severe penalties on drug-related crimes. The facts of the crimes committed by the Canadian nationals involved in the cases are clear, and the evidence is solid and sufficient.” The embassy also noted that China does not recognize dual citizenship and urged Canada to respect its judicial sovereignty.
Diplomatic Tensions
These executions have exacerbated existing tensions between Canada and China. Earlier this month, China imposed retaliatory tariffs on Canadian agricultural and food products, following Canada’s duties on Chinese-made electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum products. Relations between the two nations have been particularly strained since the 2018 arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou in Canada, which led to subsequent detentions of Canadian citizens in China.
International Reactions
Amnesty International condemned the executions, with Ketty Nivyabandi, the group’s head for English-speaking Canada, stating, “These shocking and inhumane executions of Canadian citizens by Chinese authorities should be a wake-up call … .” The organization highlighted China’s extensive use of the death penalty, noting that thousands were executed in 2023 alone.
The incident underscores the ongoing challenges in Canada-China relations and raises concerns about the treatment of foreign nationals under China’s legal system.
