Photo by terry narcissan tsui
Earlier this year, China executed four Canadians on drug-related charges, as reported by various news outlets. The names of those executed have not been disclosed.
Melanie Joly, Canada’s foreign minister, confirmed this information in a statement cited by the BBC. The Canadian government has expressed strong condemnation of the executions, with The Globe and Mail being the first to report on the matter.
“Global Affairs Canada can confirm that it is aware of the execution of Canadians in the People’s Republic of China earlier this year,” the department stated, as reported by the National Post. “Canada firmly denounces China’s application of the death penalty, which is irreversible and contrary to fundamental human dignity. Canada has consistently advocated for clemency for these individuals at the highest levels,” it continued.
In response, China’s embassy in Canada has called on Ottawa to “cease making irresponsible comments,” according to the BBC. Analysts are concerned that this incident may further deteriorate relations between the two countries.
The National Post notes that China is believed to carry out more executions annually than any other nation, although precise figures are classified. Executions in China are typically conducted by gunshot, although lethal injections are also employed.
Condemnation from Amnesty International Canada
The Canadian division of Amnesty International, an international human rights organization, has issued a strong denunciation of China regarding these executions. “The appalling and inhumane executions of Canadian citizens by Chinese authorities should serve as a critical alert for Canada. We are heartbroken for the families of the victims, and we keep them in our thoughts as they navigate this unimaginable tragedy,” stated Ketty Nivyabandi from Amnesty International Canada in an interview with the BBC.
“Our sympathies also extend to the families of Canadian citizens currently on death row in China or whose locations within the Chinese prison system remain uncertain,” she added.
What is the cause of tensions between China and Canada?
The relationship between Canada and China has been significantly strained due to several events, including Canada’s arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou in late 2018 at the behest of US authorities, as well as Beijing’s detention of two Canadians on espionage allegations during the same period. Additionally, there have been claims of Chinese interference in Canadian elections.
Recently, China has enacted tariffs on certain Canadian agricultural and food products in response to Canada’s implementation of full duties on Chinese-manufactured electric vehicles and metal goods. Beijing has criticized Canada for aligning its policies with those of the United States, which restrict Chinese imports.
