Canada Condemns Execution of Four Citizens by China Amid Mounting Tensions

China has executed four Canadians in recent months, a move that Canada’s foreign affairs minister, Mélanie Joly, strongly condemned on Wednesday. These executions, stemming from drug-related accusations, mark a rare instance of Western nationals receiving capital punishment in China.

Foreign Minister Joly revealed that both she and former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had personally appealed for clemency on behalf of the individuals involved. However, Beijing remained unmoved, citing its strict stance on drug-related crimes and its refusal to recognize dual citizenship.

"We strongly condemn the executions," Joly stated during a press conference in Ottawa. "I asked personally for leniency ... They were all dual citizens." She emphasized that Canada consistently advocates for clemency for Canadians facing the death penalty abroad.

Adding to the gravity of the situation, the families of the executed individuals have requested privacy, withholding details of their identities. Charlotte MacLeod, a spokeswoman for Global Affairs Canada, reiterated the government’s ongoing consular support for the families while urging media outlets to respect their wishes.

China’s embassy in Ottawa defended the executions, asserting the crimes were backed by "clear and sufficient evidence." A spokesperson emphasized Beijing’s severe penalties for drug-related offenses, positioning this as a matter of national policy rather than diplomacy. The embassy also accused Canada of making "irresponsible remarks" regarding the cases.

The broader context of the Canada-China relationship is fraught with tension. Trade disputes have intensified following retaliatory tariffs imposed by China on Canadian agricultural products, a response to Canada’s duties on Chinese electric vehicles and steel. Relations have been particularly strained since 2018, when Canadian authorities arrested Meng Wanzhou, a former Huawei executive and daughter of the company’s founder, on a U.S. extradition request. In what many critics dubbed "hostage politics," China subsequently detained two Canadians, returning them only when Meng reached a deal with U.S. authorities in 2021.

Amnesty International also weighed in, calling the executions "shocking and inhumane." Ketty Nivyabandi, the group’s head for English-speaking Canada, urged the Canadian government to take decisive action in response to this alarming development.

While China remains Canada’s second-largest trading partner, these tragic events underscore the deep fractures in their diplomatic relationship. As former Canadian ambassador to China Guy Saint-Jacques succinctly put it, "China is sending us a message that we have to take steps if we want to see an improvement in the relationship." Whether Canada will or can respond effectively remains to be seen.