Canada condemns China after it executes Canadians over ‘drug-related crime’

Global Affairs Canada has strongly condemned China after reports surfaced that an unspecified number of Canadian citizens were executed earlier this year. The executions were deemed to be a violation of “basic human dignity” by spokesperson Charlotte MacLeod.

MacLeod revealed that Canada had been advocating for clemency for the individuals at the highest levels. She emphasized that Canada maintains a firm stance against the use of the death penalty in all cases, regardless of the circumstances.

While Global Affairs Canada continues to provide consular assistance to the families of the executed Canadians, details regarding the identities of the victims or the exact number of individuals executed were not disclosed.

In response to the condemnation, China’s embassy in Ottawa defended the executions, stating that anyone who violates Chinese law must face accountability according to the legal system. The embassy reiterated that the cases were related to drugs and emphasized China’s “zero-tolerance” policy towards drug-related offenses.

The strained relations between Canada and China have been ongoing since the detention of Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor in December 2018 on vague national security grounds. The detention was widely viewed as retaliation for the arrest of Huawei’s CFO, Meng Wanzhou, in Vancouver at the request of the U.S.

Despite the release of Kovrig, Spavor, and Meng in 2021, tensions between the two countries persist. Kovrig, now a private citizen, criticized China for its disregard for human rights and the rule of law, calling for relentless advocacy for Canadians detained in China.

Kovrig suggested leveraging trade as a means to pressure China to address human rights issues, recommending conditioning progress on trade agreements on China refraining from arbitrary detentions and executions.

The looming trade tensions between Canada and China, with both countries imposing tariffs on each other’s products, further exacerbate the strained relations. Kovrig urged Canada to collaborate with like-minded countries to increase pressure on China and effect change in its behavior.

The case of Canadian Robert Lloyd Schellenberg, sentenced to 15 years in China on drug smuggling charges, highlights the complexities of Canada-China relations. Despite advocacy for clemency, Schellenberg was retried and sentenced to death, underscoring the challenges in diplomatic efforts.

Vina Nadjibulla of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada expressed deep concern over the executions, highlighting the rarity of foreign citizens being executed in China. The decision by China to execute the Canadians despite diplomatic efforts signifies a significant setback in bilateral relations.

The execution of the Canadians underscores the need for caution when traveling to China, as the risks involved can have severe consequences. The development is seen as a clear indication of the challenges in the Canada-China relationship and the need for continued diplomatic efforts to address issues of human rights and the rule of law.