China has executed four Canadian nationals recently, despite the Canadian government’s pleas for leniency, according to Canada’s Foreign Minister Melanie Joly. She condemned the executions and stated that she and former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau personally requested clemency for the four individuals who were dual citizens. Joly added that she cannot disclose further details as the families of the Canadians have requested privacy. Canada has continued to provide consular support to the families and has asked the media to respect their wishes for privacy, as per Global Affairs spokeswoman Charlotte MacLeod.

In response to China’s actions, China’s statement, as reported by The Globe and Mail newspaper, stated that the four Canadians were found guilty of drug offenses and emphasized that drug-related crime is a severe offense worldwide. China maintains a “zero tolerance” attitude towards drugs and claims that the evidence against the Canadian nationals was solid and sufficient. The Chinese Embassy in Ottawa also stated that Beijing guaranteed the rights and interests of the Canadian nationals involved and urged Canada’s government to stop making irresponsible remarks.

The strained relations between China and Canada have worsened in recent years, marked by China imposing retaliatory tariffs on imports and accusations of Chinese interference in Canadian elections in 2019 and 2021.

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/china-executed-4-canadians-this-year-ottawa-says/a-71979844?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf