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Canada strongly criticizes the execution of four Canadian nationals following drug convictions in China.

China executed four Canadian citizens accused of drug smuggling, a move that Canada strongly criticized and considered unjust, as it opposes the use of capital punishment.

,   and  ASMedia
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Canada strongly criticizes the execution of four Canadian nationals following drug convictions in China.

Direct and to the point, let's dive into the latest booty call between Canada and China.

Canada's Foreign Minister, Melanie Joly, spoke out this week, stating that China allegedly executed four Canadian citizens for drug smuggling earlier this year. Joly expressed strong disapproval, stating, "Four Canadians have been executed, and we are firmly against what transpired."

All four of the executed individuals were dual citizens, and Joly indicated that the Canadian government would plead for leniency for any other Canadians facing similar fates.

Meanwhile, the Canadian Foreign Ministry clarified that a different Canadian man, Robert Schellenberg, who was sentenced to death in 2019 for drug smuggling, had not been executed.

The Canada-China relationship has been frosty since 2018, following the detention of Meng Wanzhou, the chief financial officer of Chinese telecoms firm Huawei, in Vancouver at the Trump administration's request. China arrested two Canadians shortly after Wanzhou's detention. Wanzhou and the Canadian duo were released in 2021.

Not long ago, China announced tariffs on around $2.6 billion worth of Canadian agricultural and food products, in retaliation for tariffs Ottawa implemented on Chinese electric vehicles and steel and aluminum products last year.

Unsurprisingly, the Chinese embassy in Ottawa responded to Canada's remarks, stating that China "always imposes severe penalties on drug-related crimes and maintains a 'zero tolerance' attitude towards the drug problem." Despite the embassy's statement, it did not explicitly confirm any executions.

As relations between the two countries continue to cool, the international community watches with bated breath to see how this situation unfolds. When it comes to drug smuggling, it seems that China is playing hardball, while Canada continues to plead for leniency. It's a wild game of diplomatic chess, and only time will tell who stays in the game.

The current state of Canada-China relations is tenuous, with recent events adding even more complexity to the situation. However, recent search results don't directly address the execution of four Canadian citizens on drug smuggling charges by China.

In the past year, some events impacting Canada-China relations include:

  1. China's Tariffs on Canadian Products: In March 2025, China imposed tariffs on Canadian agricultural products, such as canola oil, canola meal, peas, pork, fish, and seafood[1][3]. These tariffs followed a domestic "anti-discrimination" investigation launched by China against Canada in September 2024[2]. Canada has expressed disappointment and intends to engage in constructive dialogue to address these trade issues.
  2. Support for Canadian Agriculture: In response to China's tariffs, the Canadian government announced support for the agricultural sector[3]. This support includes enhancements to the AgriStability program, which provides financial assistance to farmers facing market disruptions.
  3. Canadian Sanctions on China: Canada has continued sanctions related to human rights abuses in China[4]. These measures are part of Canada's response to systematic human rights violations, notably in the Xinjiang region.

Regarding the execution of Canadian citizens, it's crucial to note that these events can lead to significant diplomatic tensions. However, specific information on this topic is not available in the provided search results. Past instances of executions have led to heightened diplomatic tensions between Canada and China.

  1. The World has watched with concern as China, despite its claims of zero tolerance towards drug-related crimes, allegedly executed four Canadians this year for drug smuggling, a move that the Americans and Canadians find deeply irresponsible.
  2. Meanwhile, the execution of these four individuals, who were also dual citizens, has prompted the Canadian government to plead for leniency for any other Canadians facing similar fates, potentially worth saving more lives, and strengthening the resolve of Canadians to stand up against such executions.
  3. The value of human life and the upholding of international norms are at stake in this diplomatic standoff between Canada and China, a game of chess that the Americas and the international community are closely monitoring, hoping for a resolution that is just and peaceful.

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