Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly confirmed the executions on Wednesday, stating that Ottawa had sought clemency but was ultimately unsuccessful…reports Asian Lite News
China has executed four Canadian nationals on drug-related charges, a move that has drawn strong condemnation from the Canadian government and further strained diplomatic relations between the two nations, the New York Times reported.
Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly confirmed the executions on Wednesday, stating that Ottawa had sought clemency but was ultimately unsuccessful. “We will continue to engage with China and strongly condemn these actions while advocating for leniency for other Canadians facing similar situations,” Joly said.
The executions were first reported by The Globe and Mail, citing Canada’s Department of Global Affairs. The exact dates were not disclosed. The Chinese Embassy in Ottawa defended the decision, citing China’s strict penalties for drug crimes.
The four individuals, who held Canadian and Chinese citizenship, were prosecuted as Chinese nationals since China does not recognise dual nationality. A statement from Ottawa condemned the executions as “inconsistent with basic human dignity.” The Canadian government has not disclosed the names of the individuals out of respect for their families.
John Kamm, founder of the Dui Hua Foundation, confirmed involvement in lobbying efforts for the four men but provided no further details. The cases were handled in Guangdong province, and Kamm noted it was “highly unusual” for China to execute four foreigners in such a short period.
Tensions between Canada and China have remained high since 2018, following the detention of Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor after Canada arrested Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou. Despite hopes for improved relations after their release in 2021, diplomatic ties have remained strained.
On Wednesday, Joly reiterated Canada’s condemnation of the executions and vowed continued advocacy for other Canadians facing legal proceedings in China. Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy urged Canada to respect China’s judicial sovereignty, stating that the cases were handled according to Chinese law.
Among those still facing capital punishment is Canadian Robert Lloyd Schellenberg, whose sentence was escalated to the death penalty in 2019. Human rights experts warn that foreign nationals in China remain vulnerable to arbitrary detention and opaque legal proceedings. Analysts suggest the executions signal Beijing’s intent to maintain diplomatic pressure on Canada.
