China Executes Four Canadians Over Drug Crimes — Canada Strongly Condemns the Action

Earlier this year, China executed four Canadian citizens for drug-related crimes. This news has caused a strong reaction from the Canadian government and the public, especially because executions of Western nationals in China are very rare.

What Happened?

According to Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly, the four Canadians were killed by the Chinese government in recent months. All of them were dual citizens (Canadian and Chinese), but China does not recognize dual citizenship.

The names and details of the executed Canadians have not been shared publicly because their families asked for privacy.

Both Mélanie Joly and former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau personally asked China to stop the executions, but the Chinese government rejected their requests. Canada said it always asks for mercy (clemency) for Canadians facing the death penalty in other countries.

Why Were They Executed?

China said the four Canadians were guilty of serious drug crimes. The Chinese government claims it had clear evidence and followed its strict drug laws. In China, people caught with large amounts of drugs, such as over 50 grams of heroin and can be sentenced to death.

China has a long history of using the death penalty, especially for drug crimes. It is believed that China executes more people every year than all other countries combined, though the exact number is kept secret.

Canada’s Response Canada is deeply upset and says these executions are “inhumane” and go against basic human dignity.

“We strongly condemn the executions,” Joly said during a press briefing. Global Affairs Canada, the department handling foreign relations, said the death penalty is final and cruel, and they are still helping the families of the victims.

Amnesty International also criticized the executions, calling them a "wake-up call" for Canada. The organization said it is worried about other Canadians still on death row or missing in Chinese prisons.

What Does China Say?

China’s government defended its actions. A spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, Mao Ning, said that the country is just following its laws and does not treat foreigners differently. She told Canada to “respect China’s legal system” and stop interfering in its judicial process.

China also said that Canadian citizens received fair legal treatment, including access to consular services (help from Canadian embassy officials).

Why Are Canada-China Relations So Tense?

This situation adds to a growing list of problems between the two countries:

• In 2018, Canada arrested a top Huawei executive, Meng Wanzhou, at the request of the U.S.

• Soon after, China jailed two Canadians (Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor), which many saw as “hostage politics.”

• In 2021, both Canadians were released the same day Meng returned to China, which looked like a prisoner swap.

• In 2023, Canada accused China of interfering in its elections.

• There are also ongoing trade tensions, with both countries placing tariffs (extra taxes) on each other’s goods like cars, food, and steel.

  
  

What’s Next?

Right now, it’s not clear how this will affect future relations between Canada and China.

Canada’s new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, may soon announce snap elections, and opposition leaders are already asking him to take a tougher stance on China.

Meanwhile, human rights groups and the Canadian government continue to push for mercy for other Canadians who are facing execution in China.

Key Points to Remember

• China executed 4 Canadian citizens for drug crimes in early 2025.

• Canada had asked for mercy, but China refused.

• China claims it followed its laws and treated the Canadians fairly.

• This has worsened already tense relations between Canada and China.

• Amnesty International and the Canadian government strongly condemned the actions.