Canada's Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly speaks at a press conference in Ottawa on March 12, 2025. AP Photo
Canada has strongly criticized China for executing four of its citizens earlier this year on drug smuggling charges. The Canadian government expressed deep concern over Beijing’s use of the death penalty.
On Wednesday, Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly confirmed the executions. She revealed that all four individuals held dual citizenship. Joly stated that Canada would push for leniency for other Canadians currently facing similar death sentences.
“There are four Canadians that have been executed and therefore we are strongly condemning what happened,” Joly said. She explained that all four had been convicted of drug-related offenses.
In a separate statement, the Canadian Foreign Ministry confirmed that Robert Schellenberg, a Canadian sentenced to death in 2019 for drug smuggling, had not been executed. His case had previously drawn international attention and increased tensions between Canada and China.
Relations between the two countries have been strained since 2018. The conflict began when Meng Wanzhou, Huawei’s chief financial officer, was arrested in Vancouver at the request of the Trump administration. In response, China detained two Canadian citizens, escalating the diplomatic feud.
Meng and the two Canadians were eventually released in 2021. However, the relationship between Canada and China has remained tense.
Adding to the friction, China recently imposed tariffs on over $2.6 billion worth of Canadian agricultural and food products. This move was in retaliation for Canada’s previous levies on Chinese electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum.
In response to Canada’s criticism of the executions, the Chinese embassy in Ottawa defended its actions. The embassy accused Canada of making irresponsible comments.
“China always imposed severe penalties on drug-related crimes and maintains a ‘zero tolerance’ attitude towards the drug problem,” the embassy said. However, it did not confirm whether the executions had actually occurred.
The news of the executions has intensified the already rocky relationship between the two nations. Canada continues to push for the protection of its citizens abroad while calling on China to reconsider its use of the death penalty.
The government is also working to support other Canadians facing similar charges, urging China to show compassion.
