Canada has confirmed that four dual citizens were executed in China earlier this year on drug-related charges, the country's Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly announced. The identities of the individuals have not been disclosed.

In response, a Chinese embassy spokesperson urged Canada to cease making "irresponsible remarks," warning of potential further deterioration in diplomatic relations between the two nations, which have been strained for years.

The embassy defended the executions, stating that "solid and sufficient" evidence of the crimes existed and that China had "fully guaranteed the rights and interests" of the Canadians involved, while asserting its judicial sovereignty.

China, which does not recognize dual citizenship, has a strict approach to drug offenses. Joly mentioned that she had been closely monitoring the cases and had made several attempts, alongside Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other officials, to prevent the executions.

Global Affairs Canada reiterated its opposition to the death penalty, emphasizing that it had urged clemency at the highest levels. China enforces the death penalty for serious crimes such as drug trafficking, corruption, and espionage, and while executions of foreigners are rare, human rights groups believe China maintains one of the highest execution rates globally.

Amnesty International Canada condemned the executions, calling them "shocking and inhumane," and expressed sympathy for the victims' families.

This incident follows a broader context of deteriorating relations between Canada and China, which began in 2018 after Canada detained Chinese telecom executive Meng Wanzhou, leading to China’s arrest of two Canadians, now released. The situation has been further complicated by trade disputes and claims of Chinese interference in Canadian elections.

Source: BBC

BDST: 1413 HRS, MAR 20, 2025
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