All four were dual nationals, and their names have not been disclosed. Canada’s Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly confirmed this information.
A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Canada advised Ottawa to stop making irresponsible statements, as analysts feared the incident would deteriorate the already strained relationship between the nations.
China’s foreign ministry defended the executions, stating they were conducted in accordance with the law. The embassy also claimed there was significant evidence supporting the charges.
China does not recognize dual citizenship and takes a firm stance against drug crimes. The death penalty for foreigners is uncommon, but it has been imposed in this case.
Joly mentioned she had closely followed the cases for months and, along with other officials, including former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, attempted to prevent the executions.
In a statement, Global Affairs Canada spokesperson Charlotte MacLeod emphasized Canada’s consistent advocacy for clemency for these individuals and opposition to the use of the death penalty.
China enforces the death penalty for serious offenses, including drug-related crimes. While the exact number of executions remains secret, human rights groups believe China has one of the highest execution rates globally.
Ketty Nivyabandi from Amnesty International Canada expressed her devastation over the executions, calling them shocking and inhumane. She extended her condolences to the families of the victims and raised concerns about Canadian citizens on death row or with unknown whereabouts in the Chinese prison system.
The detentions of Canadian citizens have exacerbated the strained relations between Canada and China, dating back to the 2018 arrest of Chinese telecom executive Meng Wanzhou on a US extradition request. China retaliated by arresting two Canadians, who have since been released.
Tensions further escalated in 2023, when Canadian media reported alleged Chinese interference in the country’s federal elections based on leaked intelligence. China dismissed the claims as baseless and defamatory.
Recently, China imposed retaliatory tariffs on certain Canadian farm and food imports following Ottawa’s levies on Chinese electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum.
