Ottawa Confirms Execution of Four Canadians in China Amidst Diplomatic Tensions

Canada has confirmed the execution of four dual citizens in China for drug-related charges, raising significant concerns over the state of diplomatic relations. The executions have prompted outrage and calls for re-evaluation of Canada's interaction with China.

Canada has recently acknowledged that four dual citizens were executed in China earlier this year for drug-related crimes. The identities of the individuals remain undisclosed, per Canada's Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly. In response, a representative from the Chinese embassy in Canada criticized Ottawa's handling of the situation, describing the government's remarks as “irresponsible”. This is believed to further complicate the already strained relationship between the two nations.

According to the Chinese foreign ministry, the executions were conducted lawfully and there was “solid and sufficient” evidence supporting the decisions. Notably, China does not recognize dual citizenship, and it maintains a stringent position against drug offenses, though it is relatively rare for foreigners to face the death penalty.

Joly mentioned that she closely followed the legal proceedings of these cases and made attempts to garner support from various high-ranking officials, including former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, to prevent the executions. Meanwhile, Global Affairs Canada reiterated its opposition to the death penalty, stressing that clemency was sought at senior levels.

Human rights organizations have expressed their dismay over the executions, with Amnesty International Canada’s Ketty Nivyabandi calling for urgent action to protect Canadian citizens in similar perilous situations.

Relations between Canada and China have experienced substantial cooling since 2018, when Canada arrested Meng Wanzhou, a Chinese telecom executive, at the behest of the U.S. This action was immediately followed by the detainment of two Canadian citizens in China, both of whom were later released. Tensions heightened further in 2023 when reports surfaced about Chinese interference in Canada’s federal elections, claims that China vehemently refuted as unfounded. Moreover, retaliatory trade measures have aggravated the situation, with China imposing tariffs on Canadian agricultural imports following Canada's tariffs on Chinese technology imports.