China Executes Four Canadians for Drug Offenses; Canada Condemns the Action

China has executed four Canadian citizens in recent months over drug-related charges, a move described by Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly as “deeply concerning” and “inhumane.” The executions, considered rare for Western nationals, have further strained the already tense relations between Canada and China.

Foreign Minister Joly revealed that both she and former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had personally appealed for clemency on behalf of the dual citizens involved. However, Beijing proceeded with the executions, citing its strict policies against drug-related crimes. China, which does not recognize dual citizenship, defended the executions, stating that the evidence was “clear, solid, and sufficient.”

“We strongly condemn these executions,” Joly said during a press briefing in Ottawa. “I personally requested leniency, but our appeals were disregarded.” She added that the Canadian government consistently advocates for clemency for nationals facing the death penalty abroad.

The families of the executed individuals have requested privacy, and further details about their identities have not been disclosed. Global Affairs spokesperson Charlotte MacLeod confirmed that consular assistance has been provided to the affected families. She also reiterated Canada’s ongoing efforts to secure clemency for Robert Schellenberg, a Canadian currently on death row in China for drug smuggling.

A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Ottawa defended the executions, emphasizing that China’s stance on drug-related offenses remains uncompromising. “China always imposes severe penalties on drug crimes. The rights and interests of the Canadian nationals involved were fully guaranteed,” the spokesperson asserted, urging Canada to “stop making irresponsible remarks.”

The executions come amid rising tensions between the two nations, following China’s imposition of retaliatory tariffs on Canadian agricultural products earlier this month. The move was in response to Canada’s duties on Chinese electric vehicles and steel products last year.

Critics argue that the executions signify a deepening rift between the two countries. Michael Chong, a Conservative lawmaker, remarked, “Executing a number of Canadians in such a short period is unprecedented. It is a clear sign that Beijing has no intention of improving relations.”

Relations between China and Canada have been strained since the 2018 arrest of Meng Wanzhou, a former Huawei executive, on U.S. fraud charges. Following her arrest, China detained two Canadian citizens, who were released in 2021 when Meng reached a deal with U.S. authorities. The incident was widely criticized as “hostage diplomacy.”

Amnesty International has also condemned the executions, describing them as a “shocking and inhumane act.” Ketty Nivyabandi, head of Amnesty’s English-speaking Canada division, called the executions a “wake-up call” for Canada regarding its diplomatic approach to China.

China is believed to execute more people annually than any other country, though the exact numbers remain a state secret. Despite international criticism, Beijing continues to maintain its stringent approach to drug-related offenses.