Canada has condemned China’s use of the death penalty after four Canadian citizens were reportedly executed on drugs smuggling charges earlier this year. Foreign Minister Melanie Joly stated that all four individuals, who are dual citizens, had been convicted of drug-related crimes.
The executions come amid strained relations between Canada and China, which have been icy since 2018 when a Chinese executive was detained in Vancouver at the request of the US government. Two Canadians were subsequently arrested by China, leading to their release in 2021.
In response to Ottawa’s tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and steel, Beijing has imposed its own tariffs on over $2.6 billion worth of Canadian agricultural products. The Chinese Foreign Ministry claims that China treats accused individuals equally and fairly, but rejects Canada’s criticism, calling it “irresponsible”.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/19/americas/canada-condemns-china-drug-execution-intl-hnk/index.html