ALEX DHALIWAL | MARCH 20, 2025 | NEWS
Global Affairs Canada confirmed the execution of four Canadian citizens in China this year, triggering immediate condemnation from the department. “Canada strongly condemns China’s use of the death penalty, which is irreversible and inconsistent with basic human dignity,” spokesperson Charlotte MacLeod stated to the Epoch Times. Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly declined to disclose the identities of those executed, citing privacy laws.
The Chinese embassy in Ottawa defended the executions, emphasizing that the country imposes severe penalties for “drug-related crimes.” A spokesperson noted, “The facts of the crimes committed by the Canadian nationals involved in the cases are clear, and the evidence is solid and sufficient.” The statement added that Chinese judicial authorities handled the cases “in strict accordance with the law,” ensuring the rights of the Canadian nationals were protected.
Canadians Ye Jianhui, Xu Weihong, and Fan Wei have previously received death sentences for drug trafficking in China. A December 2024 memo to then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau revealed that Global Affairs was aware of five Canadian death-penalty cases in China at the time. Earlier briefings also indicated 97 Canadians were detained in Chinese custody for offenses ranging from immigration violations to drug-related charges.
Conservative MP Michael Chong, a victim of a Chinese spy campaign, condemned the executions as evidence of Beijing’s disregard for diplomatic relations with Canada. “Executing a number of Canadians in short order is unprecedented and clearly signals no intention to improve ties,” he stated on social media. Former diplomat Michael Kovrig echoed this sentiment, noting the executions underscore China’s lack of interest in resolving bilateral tensions.
Chinese officials had previously described their country as safe for Canadian visitors, with then-Ambassador Cong Peiwu asserting in 2021 that “China is not a police state.” Meanwhile, CSIS has documented two instances of China forcibly repatriating dissidents from Canada.
Canada has yet to arrest any Chinese official linked to foreign intimidation campaigns, despite repeated calls for clemency for those on death row.
