Following the execution of four Canadians in China for drug-related offenses, Canadian officials express deep concern and condemnation, exacerbating already strained bilateral relations.
Tensions Escalate as China Executes Four Canadians for Drug Crimes
Tensions Escalate as China Executes Four Canadians for Drug Crimes
Canada confirms the execution of four dual-citizen nationals in China, igniting further diplomatic strife between the two nations.
China has executed four Canadians for drug-related offenses earlier this year, a move confirmed by Canada’s foreign minister, Mélanie Joly. The identities of the dual citizens remain undisclosed, generating significant tension between Ottawa and Beijing. In response to critics, the Chinese embassy in Canada has urged Ottawa to halt what it describes as "irresponsible remarks", while asserting that the executions were carried out "in accordance with the law" and with substantiated evidence of wrongdoing.
Beijing stands firm on its stance regarding dual citizenship and drug crimes, though executions of foreign nationals are considered rare. Joly has been closely monitoring the situation and had made efforts alongside former prime minister Justin Trudeau to advocate for clemency on behalf of the individuals. Global Affairs Canada reiterated their opposition to the death penalty, stating they have sought leniency for these Canadians at the highest levels of government.
Human rights advocates have been vocal following the executions, with Amnesty International Canada’s Ketty Nivyabandi labeling the actions as "shocking and inhumane". She expressed grief for the victims’ families and highlighted the ongoing plight of other Canadians facing uncertain fates within the Chinese legal system. Tensions between the two countries have been fraught since a high-profile case in 2019 involving the death sentence of Robert Lloyd Schellenberg for drug smuggling, a case heavily criticized by Canada.
The diplomatic rift between Canada and China originated in 2018 when Canada detained Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou at the request of U.S. authorities, which led to the arrest of two Canadian citizens in China, who have since been released. Additional strains surfaced following leaked reports alleging Chinese interference in Canadian federal elections, which Beijing dismissed as “baseless”. Most recently, diplomatic relations have been further strained due to retaliatory tariffs imposed by China amid ongoing trade tensions with Canada.
