On Wednesday, Canada strongly condemned China’s execution of four Canadian citizens convicted of drug smuggling earlier this year. The executions have further strained the already tense diplomatic relations between the two nations, which have been fraught with disputes since 2018. Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly expressed Ottawa’s disapproval of China’s use of the death penalty and called for leniency for other Canadians facing similar charges in China.
Speaking to reporters, Joly confirmed that the four individuals executed were dual citizens and had been convicted on drug-related charges. “There are four Canadians that have been executed, and therefore we are strongly condemning what happened,” she said. Joly also emphasized that Canada would continue to advocate for the fair treatment of its citizens abroad, particularly those facing severe penalties in foreign judicial systems.
The Canadian Foreign Ministry clarified that Robert Schellenberg, a Canadian man sentenced to death in 2019 for drug smuggling, had not been executed. Schellenberg’s case had previously drawn international attention and sparked diplomatic tensions between Canada and China. His sentence remains a point of contention, with Canada continuing to appeal for clemency.
The executions come amid a period of heightened friction between the two countries. Relations between Canada and China have been icy since December 2018, when Meng Wanzhou, the chief financial officer of Chinese telecom giant Huawei, was detained in Vancouver at the request of the United States. In what was widely seen as a retaliatory move, China arrested two Canadian citizens, Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, shortly after Meng’s detention. The two men were charged with espionage and held in custody for nearly three years, during which time their case became a symbol of the deteriorating diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Meng, Kovrig, and Spavor were all released in September 2021 in a carefully orchestrated resolution that signaled a temporary easing of tensions. However, the underlying issues between Canada and China remain unresolved. Earlier this month, Beijing announced tariffs on over $2.6 billion worth of Canadian agricultural and food products, a move widely interpreted as retaliation for Ottawa’s decision to impose levies on Chinese electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum products last year.
The executions of the four Canadians have added another layer of complexity to the strained relationship. China has long maintained a strict stance on drug-related crimes, imposing severe penalties, including the death penalty, for offenses involving drug trafficking. The Chinese government has consistently defended its judicial system, arguing that it treats all individuals equally, regardless of nationality, and upholds the rule of law.
In response to Canada’s condemnation, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning reiterated China’s position on drug-related crimes during a press briefing on Thursday. “Combating drug-related offenses is a shared responsibility of all countries,” Mao said. She urged Canada to “respect the spirit of the rule of law and stop interfering in China’s judicial sovereignty.” Mao emphasized that China handles all cases fairly and strictly, ensuring that the legal rights of the accused are safeguarded.
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The Chinese Embassy in Ottawa also issued a statement criticizing Canada’s remarks as “irresponsible.” The embassy reiterated China’s “zero tolerance” policy toward drug-related crimes but did not confirm the executions. “China always imposes severe penalties on drug-related crimes and maintains a ‘zero tolerance’ attitude towards the drug problem,” the statement read.
The executions have sparked a broader debate about the use of the death penalty and the treatment of foreign nationals in China’s judicial system. Canada, which abolished the death penalty in 1976, has long been a vocal opponent of capital punishment and frequently advocates against its use in cases involving Canadian citizens abroad. The Canadian government has repeatedly called on China to adopt more lenient sentencing practices, particularly in cases involving non-violent crimes such as drug smuggling.
The case also highlights the challenges faced by dual citizens in navigating the legal systems of their respective countries. While dual citizenship is not officially recognized in China, the Chinese government has previously asserted its right to prosecute individuals it considers Chinese citizens, regardless of their other nationalities. This has led to complex legal and diplomatic situations, particularly in cases involving serious crimes.
The executions are likely to further complicate efforts to rebuild trust between Canada and China. While both countries have expressed a desire to improve relations, the ongoing disputes over trade, human rights, and judicial practices continue to hinder progress. The Canadian government has signaled that it will continue to raise concerns about the treatment of its citizens in China, while Beijing remains steadfast in its defense of its legal system and sovereignty.
As the diplomatic standoff persists, the families of the executed Canadians and those still facing charges in China are left in a state of uncertainty. The case underscores the broader challenges of navigating international legal systems and the importance of diplomatic dialogue in resolving cross-border disputes. For now, the relationship between Canada and China remains fragile, with both sides standing firm on their respective positions.
In the coming months, the international community will be closely watching how Canada and China navigate these tensions. The executions have not only deepened the rift between the two nations but also raised important questions about the role of diplomacy, the rule of law, and the protection of citizens’ rights in an increasingly interconnected world.