Canada has strongly condemned China for executing four Canadian citizens on drug smuggling charges earlier this year. Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly confirmed the executions on Wednesday, emphasizing Ottawa's opposition to the death penalty. She also stated that all four were dual citizens and that Canada would continue to seek leniency for others facing similar sentences.
Despite concerns, Canadian national Robert Schellenberg, sentenced to death in 2019 for drug smuggling, has not been executed, according to the Canadian Foreign Ministry.
Tensions between Canada and China have remained high since 2018, following the arrest of Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou in Vancouver at the request of the Trump administration. In response, China detained two Canadians. All three were released in 2021.
Adding to diplomatic strains, Beijing recently imposed tariffs on over $2.6 billion worth of Canadian agricultural and food products in retaliation for Ottawa’s levies on Chinese electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum.
In response to Canada’s condemnation, the Chinese embassy in Ottawa defended Beijing’s strict stance on drug-related crimes, maintaining a "zero tolerance" policy. However, it did not confirm the executions.
As tensions escalate, Canada continues to navigate its complex relationship with China while advocating for its citizens abroad.