Toronto: Canada has revealed that China recently executed four of its citizens on drug-related charges, strongly condemning the action. Foreign Minister Mlanie Joly stated that both she and former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had previously urged China to grant clemency to these dual citizens.

In response, the Chinese Embassy in Ottawa stated that China does not recognize dual citizenship and confirmed the execution of the four individuals for drug-related crimes. The embassy emphasized that China strictly enforces drug laws and had solid evidence against the accused. It also urged the Canadian government to refrain from making irresponsible remarks on the issue.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Joly also requested clemency for another Canadian citizen, Robert Schellenberg, who is facing the death penalty for drug smuggling in China. Relations between China and Canada have been tense since Canada imposed tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum in October last year, prompting China to retaliate with tariffs on Canadian agricultural and food products. Diplomatic tensions have been high since Canada arrested a former Huawei executive in 2018. Despite these issues, China remains Canada’s second-largest trading partner.