Canada has condemned the execution of four Canadians on drug-related convictions, saying it was “inconsistent with basic human dignity”. The executions were carried out in China, where the individuals were found guilty of crimes related to drugs. Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly said Canada would continue to push for leniency for other Canadians facing similar situations.
The executions are the latest move in a deteriorating relationship between Canada and China, which has seen tensions escalate since 2018 when two Canadian citizens, Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig, were detained by Chinese authorities. The situation was widely condemned as “hostage diplomacy” at the time.
Human rights groups have expressed concern over China’s strict penalties on drug-related crimes, with one group describing it as “highly unusual” for the country to execute four foreigners in a short period of time. Another expert warned that the executions could be used as leverage by Beijing in bilateral discussions with Canada.
The executions come amid growing tensions between Canada and China over issues such as Chinese interference in Canadian affairs and allegations of secret funding from China to election candidates. In recent years, Canada has taken steps to restrict Chinese trade and investment, including imposing 100% tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/19/world/asia/china-canada-drug-executions.html