ways-of-knowing.com – In a development that has further strained diplomatic relations between Canada and China, Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly announced on March 19, 2025, that four Canadian citizens were executed in China earlier this year on drug smuggling charges. The identities of the individuals have been withheld at the request of their families.
Canada’s Response
The Canadian government has expressed strong condemnation of these executions. Foreign Minister Joly emphasized Canada’s firm opposition to the death penalty in all circumstances and reiterated that the government had sought clemency for the individuals involved. She stated, “Canada opposes the death penalty in all cases, everywhere. We have consistently advocated for the abolition of capital punishment worldwide.”
China’s Stance
In response, the Chinese embassy in Canada defended the executions, citing China’s stringent penalties for drug-related crimes and its “zero tolerance” policy toward drug offenses. The embassy emphasized that these actions are in accordance with Chinese law and urged Canada to respect China’s judicial sovereignty. A statement from the embassy read, “Drug crimes are universally recognized as serious offenses. China’s judicial authorities handle cases involving criminals of different nationalities in accordance with law.”
Diplomatic Tensions
These executions have exacerbated existing tensions between Canada and China natemeetsworld.com. Relations have been particularly strained since the 2018 arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou in Canada on a U.S. extradition request, followed by China’s detention of two Canadian citizens, Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, on espionage charges. Although both Kovrig and Spavor were released in 2021, the diplomatic relationship has remained fragile.
Ongoing Concerns
The case of Robert Schellenberg, another Canadian sentenced to death in China for drug smuggling in 2019, remains unresolved. Canada continues to advocate for clemency in his case, highlighting ongoing concerns about the use of capital punishment and the transparency of legal proceedings in China.
These events underscore the complex and often contentious nature of international relations, particularly concerning differing legal systems and human rights perspectives.