Canada Condemns China’s Execution of Four Nationals
TORONTO — Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister stated Wednesday that China has executed four Canadians in recent months. The executions of individuals from Western nations remain uncommon.
Diplomatic Efforts and Government Response
Minister Mélanie Joly disclosed that both she and former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had appealed for clemency regarding the drug-related charges against the dual citizens.
The Chinese embassy in Ottawa asserted that the executions were a consequence of drug offenses and emphasized China’s non-recognition of dual nationality.
“We strongly denounce these executions,” Joly declared to reporters in Ottawa. “I personally requested leniency… They were all dual citizens.”
Minister Joly affirmed that Canada consistently seeks clemency for Canadians facing capital punishment in foreign countries. She added that the families have requested that the government respect their privacy and withhold the identities of the deceased.
vCard.red is a free platform for creating a mobile-friendly digital business cards. You can easily create a vCard and generate a QR code for it, allowing others to scan and save your contact details instantly.
The platform allows you to display contact information, social media links, services, and products all in one shareable link. Optional features include appointment scheduling, WhatsApp-based storefronts, media galleries, and custom design options.
Global Affairs spokesperson Charlotte MacLeod indicated that the government is providing ongoing consular support to the families and reiterated the request for media to respect their privacy. She confirmed that Ottawa continues to advocate for clemency for Robert Schellenberg, a Canadian national sentenced to death for drug smuggling.
China Defends Actions, Cites Drug Crimes
“China consistently imposes severe penalties for drug-related offenses,” stated a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy. “The facts of the crimes perpetrated by the Canadian nationals in these cases are unambiguous, and the evidence is substantial and irrefutable.”
It is believed that China executes more prisoners annually than all other countries combined, though the exact figure is a state secret. Historically, executions were carried out by gunshot, although lethal injections have been implemented in recent years.
The embassy spokesperson maintained that Beijing “fully guaranteed the rights and interests of the Canadian nationals involved,” and urged the Canadian government to “refrain from making irresponsible remarks.”
Broader Canada-China Tensions
Relations between the two nations have been strained. Earlier this month, China imposed retaliatory tariffs on select Canadian agricultural and food imports, following Canada’s imposition of tariffs in October on Chinese electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum products. These tariffs contribute to escalating global trade tensions involving the United States, China, Canada, and Mexico.
“China is signaling that steps are necessary to improve the relationship,” commented Guy Saint-Jacques, a former Canadian ambassador to China.
Ian Brodie, previously chief of staff to former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, suggested on social media that “agricultural tariffs weren’t the most severe aspect of the PRC’s response to EV tariffs.”
Conservative Member of Parliament Michael Chong characterized the executions as “unprecedented” and “a clear indication that Beijing has no intention of improving relations with Canada.”
Background of Deteriorating Relations
China is Canada’s second-largest trading partner; however, relations have been strained since Canadian authorities arrested a former Huawei executive in 2018 based on U.S. fraud charges.
Subsequently, China detained two Canadians shortly after Canada’s arrest of Meng Wanzhou, the daughter of Huawei’s founder, acting on a U.S. extradition request. They were released and returned to Canada in 2021, coinciding with Meng’s return to China after reaching an agreement with U.S. authorities.
Numerous countries condemned China’s actions as “hostage politics,” while China described the charges against Huawei and Meng as politically motivated attempts to impede China’s economic and technological progress.
Amnesty International’s Condemnation
Amnesty International has condemned the executions, noting that China executed thousands of individuals in 2023.
“These appalling and inhumane executions of Canadian citizens by Chinese authorities ought to serve as a wake-up call for Canada,” stated Ketty Nivyabandi, head of Amnesty International English-speaking Canada, in a statement Wednesday.