China has executed four Canadian citizens convicted of drug-related offenses earlier this year. Their identities have not been disclosed. According to Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly, all four individuals held dual citizenship.
On Thursday (March 20), the BBC reported that a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Canada urged Ottawa to refrain from making “irresponsible remarks” regarding the executions. Analysts fear that this development could further deteriorate the already strained relations between the two nations.
On the same day, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the executions were carried out in accordance with the law. The Chinese Embassy in Canada also asserted that there was “strong and sufficient evidence” against the convicted individuals.
The Chinese government maintained that the rights and interests of the executed individuals were fully protected. Additionally, Beijing called on Canada to respect China’s judicial sovereignty.
China does not recognize dual citizenship and maintains a strict stance against drug-related crimes. However, executing foreign nationals for such offenses remains rare.
Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly stated that she had closely monitored the case for months and had worked alongside former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other officials to prevent the executions.
Charlotte McLeod, a spokesperson for Canada’s Foreign Ministry, told local media, “We repeatedly appealed for clemency and will continue to oppose the death penalty in all circumstances worldwide.”
In China, crimes such as drug trafficking, corruption, and espionage can result in the death penalty. However, the exact number of executions carried out in the country remains undisclosed. Human rights organizations believe China executes more individuals than any other country in the world.
In 2019, Canadian citizen Robert Lloyd Schellenberg was sentenced to death in China for drug trafficking. However, he was not among those executed this time.
Tensions between Canada and China have been high since 2018, when Canada arrested Chinese telecom executive Meng Wanzhou at the request of the United States. In response, China detained two Canadian citizens, who were later released.
In 2023, Canadian media reported intelligence findings suggesting that China had interfered in Canada’s federal elections. China dismissed these allegations as “baseless and defamatory.”
Recently, Canada imposed tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum. In retaliation, Beijing increased tariffs on certain Canadian agricultural and food products.