OTTAWA — In a shocking escalation of tensions, Canada confirmed on March 19, 2025, that China executed four Canadian citizens earlier this year on charges related to drug offenses. Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly revealed that all four were dual citizens, and expressed vehement condemnation of the actions taken by Beijing.
"This is an issue that I’ve been following very closely, personally, for months, and I’ve asked for leniency," Joly stated, emphasizing that both she and former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had personally intervened in the cases in an effort to avert such tragic outcomes. The Canadian government had been vocal in its opposition to the death penalty, with Global Affairs Canada stating, "Canada remains steadfast in its opposition to the use of the death penalty in all cases, everywhere," according to spokesperson Charlotte MacLeod.
China’s actions have drawn widespread criticism and concern, particularly given the rarity of executing foreigners. Vina Nadjibulla, vice-president of research and strategy at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, called the executions a "deeply troubling development." Nadjibulla pointed out that China, which has a 99 percent conviction rate, very rarely executes foreign nationals, with the last execution of a foreign citizen occurring more than ten years ago.
In response to the condemnation, China's embassy in Ottawa confirmed the executions while defending the actions taken under its judicial system. The embassy stated, "Whoever violates the law of China must be held accountable. The facts of the crimes committed by the Canadian nationals involved in the cases are clear, and the evidence solid and sufficient." It further claimed that such severe penalties are in line with its zero-tolerance approach towards drug-related crimes.
Reports indicate that the executed individuals were alleged to have committed serious drug-related offenses, although exact details remain unclear. The embassy refused to provide the names of the victims or how the cases were processed through the Chinese judicial system, stating only that they were handled "in strict accordance with the law," and that the rights and interests of the Canadians were adequately safeguarded.
The executions have occurred amid heightened diplomatic tensions between Canada and China, which have been icy since the detention of Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor in December 2018. Their detention was widely considered retaliation for the arrest of Huawei's chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, in Vancouver. Despite historical strain, the recent executions have escalated the urgency surrounding Canada’s diplomatic engagement with China.
Moreover, there are approximately 100 Canadians currently held in China, many facing similar precarious situations involving serious criminal charges. Joly indicated that Ottawa would continue to ask for clemency not only for those already detained but also for Canadians in perilous positions.
Critics have noted that the situation reflects a politicized justice system within China. Conservative foreign affairs critic Michael Chong stated, “These wrongful deaths are a result of a highly politicized justice system” and denounced the executions as unprecedented, indicating a clear message that Beijing has no intention of improving relations with Canada.
Amnesty International has also condemned these events, asserting that the executions signify a critical failure of Canada to protect its citizens abroad and urged stronger advocacy against the death penalty in China. Ketty Nivyabandi, head of Amnesty International Canada’s English-speaking section, called this a wake-up call for the Canadian government.
This incident has not only intensified scrutiny of Canada’s foreign policy but also shed light on the diplomatic tools at its disposal in dealing with China. There are calls from various experts, including former detainees like Kovrig, for Canada to leverage trade relations as a means of exerting pressure on Beijing. Kovrig emphasized that Canada must be relentless in its advocacy for the safety of its citizens and suggested that trade and investment opportunities ought to be contingent upon progress in human rights situations.
In an escalatory move, just days after the executions were reported, China announced that it would implement 100 percent tariffs on Canadian canola and 25 percent tariffs on other goods such as seafood and pork, a direct response to Canada's trade restrictions on Chinese imports. This economic warfare adds another layer of complexity to the already fraught diplomatic relationship between the two nations.
The execution of these Canadians amidst ongoing geopolitical confrontations has left families, advocates, and officials shocked and heartbroken. The pall of grief cast over these events serves as a stark reminder of the profound challenges facing individuals entangled in international diplomacy - a brutal reality that can manifest in irreversible decisions made far from home.
As the dust settles from the immediate shock of these executions, a broader dialogue surrounding human rights and the implications of international law must emerge. Until more favorable relations can be established between Ottawa and Beijing, the protection of Canadian citizens remains a pressing and significant challenge, one that demands vigilance, strategic planning, and unwavering commitment from Canadian leadership.
