Four Canadians with dual citizenship were executed in China earlier this year on drug-related charges, Canadian authorities have confirmed.
Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly stated that their identities have been withheld. In response, a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Canada urged Ottawa to “stop making irresponsible remarks,” as tensions between the two nations continue to rise.
China’s foreign ministry defended the executions, stating they were carried out “in accordance with the law.” The Chinese embassy further asserted that there was “solid and sufficient” evidence supporting the convictions, emphasizing that the rights of those involved had been fully guaranteed.
Canada’s Response and Call for Clemency
Joly revealed that she had been following the cases closely for months and, alongside other officials, including former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, had attempted to prevent the executions.
Global Affairs Canada spokeswoman Charlotte MacLeod reiterated Canada’s opposition to the death penalty, stating that the government had “repeatedly called for clemency at the senior-most levels.”
China enforces the death penalty for serious offenses, including drug-related crimes, corruption, and espionage. While execution statistics remain undisclosed, human rights groups estimate that China has one of the world’s highest execution rates.
International Outrage and Human Rights Concerns
Ketty Nivyabandi of Amnesty International Canada condemned the executions, calling them “shocking and inhumane.” She expressed sympathy for the victims’ families and raised concerns about other Canadians on death row in China.
Notably, Robert Lloyd Schellenberg, a Canadian sentenced to death in 2019 for drug smuggling, was not among those executed.
“We will continue to strongly condemn these actions and advocate for leniency for other Canadians facing similar situations,” Joly stated.
Strained Canada-China Relations
Diplomatic tensions between Canada and China have worsened since 2018, when Canada detained Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou on a U.S. extradition request. Shortly after, China arrested two Canadians, later releasing them.
More recently, tensions escalated with reports of alleged Chinese interference in Canada’s federal elections and retaliatory trade measures. China imposed tariffs on Canadian agricultural products after Canada levied duties on Chinese electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum.
