Canada Condemns China’s Execution of Four Citizens on Drug Charges
Canada has condemned China for the execution of four Canadians on drug smuggling charges, with Foreign Minister Melanie Joly calling for leniency for others facing similar charges. The situation adds strain to the already tense relations between Canada and China, exacerbated by recent trade tariffs. In response, the Chinese government maintains a strict policy against drug-related offenses.
The Canadian government has condemned China for executing four Canadian citizens on drug smuggling charges earlier this year. Foreign Minister Melanie Joly confirmed the tragic news during a press briefing, stating that all four individuals were dual citizens and that Ottawa would appeal for leniency for other Canadians facing similar charges.
Joly reiterated, “There are four Canadians that have been executed and therefore we are strongly condemning what happened,” emphasizing the consequences of the drug-related convictions. In a separate announcement, the Canadian Foreign Ministry clarified that Robert Schellenberg, another Canadian on death row since 2019 for drug smuggling, has not been executed.
Relations between Canada and China have been tense since 2018 when Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou was detained in Canada, resulting in the arrest of two Canadian citizens shortly after. Both Meng and the detained Canadians were released in 2021.
Moreover, relations have worsened recently, with China imposing tariffs on over $2.6 billion worth of Canadian agricultural and food products. This move is viewed as retaliation against tariffs imposed by Canada on Chinese electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum products last year.
The Chinese embassy in Ottawa responded by stating that Canada was making “irresponsible remarks,” asserting that China maintains a “zero tolerance” policy towards drug-related offenses, yet did not confirm the executions in question.
Canada’s condemnation of the executions highlights the ongoing tensions in Canada-China relations, particularly regarding human rights concerns and legal practices. While Ottawa seeks leniency for other Canadians facing severe penalties, the backdrop of previous diplomatic incidents amplifies the complexity of this situation. The Chinese government’s approach to drug-related crimes remains starkly different from Canada’s stance on human rights, raising significant diplomatic challenges moving forward.
Original Source: www.staradvertiser.com
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