TORONTO — Recently, Canada’s foreign affairs minister revealed that China executed four Canadian citizens. Such actions against Westerners are quite rare.
Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly stated that she and former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had sought clemency for these individuals, who faced drug-related charges. China’s embassy in Canada explained that these executions stemmed from serious drug crimes, emphasizing that China does not recognize dual citizenship.
Joly condemned the executions, noting that clemency is a priority for Canadians facing the death penalty abroad. The families of the executed individuals requested privacy, so specific details about them have not been disclosed. Global Affairs Canada continues to support the families and is advocating for leniency for Robert Schellenberg, another Canadian on death row for drug trafficking.
The Chinese embassy asserted that Canada must stop making “irresponsible remarks.” A spokesperson pointed out that the legal process in these cases was transparent, and they argued that the evidence against the Canadians was substantial.
China is known to carry out more executions than any other country, though exact figures are not publicly available. Historically, executions have been done by gunshot, but lethal injection is becoming more common.
Tensions between Canada and China have been escalating. Recently, China imposed tariffs on various Canadian agricultural products in response to Canada’s tariffs on Chinese imports, such as electric vehicles and steel. These measures reflect ongoing trade disputes among China, the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Experts like Guy Saint-Jacques, a former Canadian ambassador, suggest that China is signaling the need for Canada to take action if there is any hope of mending the strained relationship. Online reactions have amplified this concern, with figures like Ian Brodie noting that actions from Beijing show a stark message beyond economic tariffs.
Michael Chong, a Conservative opposition lawmaker, described the rapid execution of Canadians as an alarming escalation that signals China’s lack of interest in improving relations with Canada. The relationship has been fraught since 2018, when Canadian authorities arrested a former Huawei executive under U.S. charges, which led to China detaining two Canadians in apparent retaliation. They were released in 2021, coinciding with a deal struck between Meng Wanzhou, Huawei’s founder’s daughter, and U.S. prosecutors.
Many countries and organizations, including Amnesty International, have condemned what they term “hostage politics.” Amnesty stated that thousands of executions in China are a glaring human rights concern. Ketty Nivyabandi, head of Amnesty International Canada, remarked that the recent executions should serve as a serious wake-up call for the Canadian government to reassess its approach to China.
This situation highlights the complex interplay of international relations, human rights, and trade, bringing to light the ramifications that can arise from diplomatic disputes.
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