In a development that has further strained diplomatic relations between Canada and China, the Canadian government has confirmed that China executed an unspecified number of Canadian citizens earlier this year. Global Affairs Canada expressed its "firm condemnation" of these actions, reiterating the country's opposition to the death penalty under any circumstances.
The identities and exact number of those executed have not been disclosed. However, China's embassy in Ottawa indicated that these individuals were involved in drug-related crimes, emphasizing the country's stringent stance on such offenses. The embassy stated that all individuals, regardless of nationality, are equal before the law and must face the consequences of their actions.
This incident adds to the existing tensions between the two nations, which have been fraught since the 2018 arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou in Canada. Following her detention, China arrested two Canadian citizens, leading to allegations of "hostage politics." Although Meng was released in 2021, the diplomatic relationship has remained strained.
The Canadian government continues to advocate for clemency for its citizens facing capital punishment abroad and emphasizes its commitment to opposing the death penalty globally.