Tensions between Canada and China have escalated following the execution of four Canadian citizens by Beijing on drug smuggling charges earlier this year. The Canadian Foreign Ministry confirmed that Robert Schellenberg, a Canadian sentenced to death in 2019 for similar charges, has not been executed. This development adds to the already strained relations between the two nations.
Relations between Canada and China have been frosty since 2018 when Meng Wanzhou, the chief financial officer of Huawei, was detained in Vancouver at the request of the Trump administration. Although Meng and two Canadian citizens were released in 2021, the diplomatic chill has persisted. Beijing recently announced tariffs on over $2.6 billion worth of Canadian agricultural and food products, a move seen as retaliation against levies Ottawa imposed on Chinese electric vehicles and steel and aluminum products.
Melanie Joly, Canada's Foreign Minister, expressed strong condemnation of Beijing’s actions.
“There are four Canadians that have been executed and therefore we are strongly condemning what happened,” said Joly.
She further emphasized that all executed individuals were dual citizens and asserted that Canada would seek leniency for other Canadians facing similar sentences.
In response to Canada's condemnation, the Chinese embassy in Ottawa issued a rebuke, labeling Canada's remarks as "irresponsible." The embassy reiterated China's strict stance on drug-related crimes.
“China always imposed severe penalties on drug-related crimes and maintains a ‘zero tolerance’ attitude towards the drug problem,” stated the Chinese embassy.
The diplomatic friction is compounded by economic repercussions, as China's tariffs impact a significant portion of Canadian agricultural exports. These actions underscore the deepening divide between the two countries, with both sides engaging in retaliatory measures.
