China has told Canadian officials to stop making what it called “irresponsible remarks” after executing four Canadians accused of drug trafficking. Despite personal appeals for mercy from Canadian leaders, the executions were carried out by firing squad.
The Chinese embassy in Ottawa stood firm, defending the death sentences and rejecting criticism from Canadian lawmakers and human rights groups. The embassy claimed the “evidence is solid and sufficient” and said China does not accept outside interference in its justice system.
🇨🇦🇺🇸🇨🇳 Trudeau & Carney's Liberals are monumental hypocrites
Trump tariffs? Economic pain and possibly a world war.
China's tariffs and execution of Canadians? Nothing.
They will burn Canada to stop Trump from doing the very thing they are already allowing China to do. pic.twitter.com/SsjDjByK6r
— BlendrNews (@BlendrNews) March 20, 2025
Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly confirmed that all four individuals held dual citizenship. However, China does not recognize dual nationality and dismissed any special treatment. Joly said she had personally requested clemency but was ignored.
A spokesperson for Global Affairs Canada said the identities of the four Canadians are being withheld out of respect for the families. Canadian officials are also continuing to ask China to spare Robert Schellenberg, another Canadian who faces execution for drug-related charges.
Execution with Chinese characteristics:
China executed four Canadians for drug crimes while subsidizing Chinese chemical factories to produce fentanyl for drug lords in Mexico. pic.twitter.com/teuQCjd6aI
— Denise Wu (@denisewu) March 19, 2025
Amnesty International condemned the executions and described them as a disturbing example of China’s approach to criminal justice. The group said China carries out more executions than any other country, with little transparency about the process.
Former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig said the executions show that mending relations with China is not a priority for Beijing. Conservative lawmaker Michael Chong called the actions unprecedented and said it is clear that China has no intention of improving diplomatic ties.
The executions come amid a broader breakdown in Canada-China relations. Earlier this year, Canada imposed tariffs on Chinese-made steel, aluminum and electric vehicles. China retaliated with new duties on Canadian agricultural and food exports.
Canada’s relationship with China has been rocky since the 2018 arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou. After her arrest, China detained two Canadian citizens for nearly three years. They were released the same day Meng returned to China following a deal with U.S. authorities.
