Canada Condemns China's Execution of Four Citizens on Drug Charges

 Ottawa – March 12, 2025

Canada has strongly criticized China following the execution of four Canadian citizens earlier this year on drug smuggling charges. Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly expressed Ottawa’s deep concern over Beijing’s use of the death penalty and stated that Canada would continue advocating for leniency for its citizens facing similar sentences.

“There are four Canadians who have been executed, and we strongly condemn this action,” Joly told reporters, confirming that all individuals held dual citizenship and had been convicted on drug-related offenses.

However, the Canadian Foreign Ministry clarified that Robert Schellenberg, a Canadian sentenced to death in 2019 on drug smuggling charges, has not been executed.

Relations between Canada and China have remained tense since 2018 when Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou was arrested in Vancouver at the request of the U.S., prompting Beijing to detain two Canadian citizens in response. The diplomatic standoff ended in 2021 when all three individuals were released.

The situation further escalated this month when China imposed tariffs on over $2.6 billion worth of Canadian agricultural and food products, responding to trade restrictions Canada had previously placed on Chinese electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning defended Beijing’s stance, stating that China upholds strict anti-drug policies and applies legal penalties fairly, regardless of nationality. Mao also urged Canada to respect China’s judicial system and refrain from interfering in its sovereignty.

Meanwhile, the Chinese embassy in Ottawa dismissed Canada’s criticism, calling its remarks “irresponsible.” The embassy emphasized that China enforces a zero-tolerance policy toward drug offenses and imposes severe penalties to combat the issue.

As diplomatic tensions continue to rise, Canada remains firm in its opposition to the death penalty and vows to support its citizens facing legal challenges abroad.