Growing Rift: China’s Execution of Four Canadians for Drug Crimes Intensifies Diplomatic Tensions

Introduction

The diplomatic relationship between Canada and China has reached a new low following China’s execution of four Canadian citizens earlier this year for drug-related offenses.

On March 19, 2025, Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly announced the executions, strongly condemning China’s actions and emphasizing that both she and former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had personally sought clemency for the four dual nationals.

This incident marks a significant escalation in already strained bilateral relations between the two countries, which are strained by ongoing trade disputes and geopolitical tensions.

Historical Context of Deteriorating Relations

The Canada-China relationship has been on a downward trajectory since 2018, following the arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou in Vancouver at the request of the United States on fraud charges related to violations of Iran sanctions.

In what was widely viewed as retaliatory action, China promptly detained two Canadian citizens, Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, on allegations of espionage.

This incident, often referred to as “hostage diplomacy,” severely damaged diplomatic trust between the two nations.

Although all three individuals were released in 2021 following a resolution of Meng’s case, the relationship never fully recovered.

The situation has further deteriorated over the past year, with Canada accusing China of interference in its electoral processes in 2019 and 2021—allegations Beijing firmly denies.

Additionally, the relationship has been strained by Canada’s criticism of China’s human rights record, including its treatment of Uyghur Muslims and pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong.

Recent Trade Tensions

Economic relations have also suffered, with both countries engaging in retaliatory trade measures. Earlier this year, Canada imposed significant tariffs on Chinese products, including a 100% levy on Chinese electric vehicles and a 25% tariff on Chinese steel and aluminum products.

In response, China announced substantial tariffs on Canadian agricultural and food products worth over $2 billion, signaling an escalation in the trade dispute.

The timing of the executions, coming shortly after these trade restrictions, has led some analysts to view them as part of a broader pattern of Chinese pressure tactics.

The Executions and China’s Position

The four Canadian citizens executed by China were all dual nationals who faced drug-related charges. While the exact timing of the executions remains unclear, they occurred earlier this year despite diplomatic interventions from Canada’s highest levels.

The identities of those executed have not been disclosed, as their families requested privacy.

China has defended its actions unequivocally, emphasizing its zero-tolerance approach to drug offenses.

The Chinese embassy in Ottawa stated, “The facts of the crimes committed by the Canadian nationals involved in the cases are clear, and the evidence is solid and sufficient.”

Further, Beijing’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, asserted that “China is a country governed by the rule of law” that “treats defendants of all nationalities equally without discrimination.”

A crucial element in this dispute is China’s non-recognition of dual citizenship. From Beijing’s perspective, the executed individuals were Chinese nationals subject solely to Chinese law, regardless of their Canadian citizenship.

This stance significantly complicates consular access and diplomatic interventions in such cases.

Canadian Response and Diplomatic Efforts

Canada’s response to the executions has been one of strong condemnation, with Joly stating, “We strongly condemn the executions that did happen against Canadians in China.”

The Canadian government emphasized its consistent opposition to the death penalty in all circumstances worldwide.

Ottawa continues to provide consular support to the families of those executed while also advocating for clemency in other similar cases, particularly that of Robert Schellenberg, a Canadian sentenced to death for drug trafficking in 2019.

After initially receiving a 15-year prison sentence in 2018, Schellenberg’s punishment was increased to the death penalty in a retrial that occurred approximately one month after Meng’s arrest in Canada—timing that many viewed as politically motivated.

Historical precedents suggest the limited effectiveness of Canadian clemency requests in China.

Guy Saint-Jacques, a former Canadian ambassador to China, recalled a similar case in 2015 when then-Prime Minister Stephen Harper wrote a personal letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping requesting clemency for a Canadian facing execution for drug crimes.

China proceeded with the execution the following day.

International Reactions and Human Rights Concerns

Human rights organizations have expressed outrage over the executions. Amnesty International condemned them as “shocking and inhumane,” noting that China executes thousands of individuals annually.

Ketty Nivyabandi, the head of Amnesty International for English-speaking Canada, described the executions as a “wake-up call for Canada.”

Maya Wang, associate director for China at Human Rights Watch, highlighted broader concerns about China’s judicial system, stating that “foreigners, like all individuals in China, are vulnerable to arbitrary detentions and unfair trials.”

This sentiment is echoed by other experts who point to China’s 99% conviction rate and lack of judicial transparency.

Peter Humphrey, a former British investigator advocating for foreigners detained in China, characterized the execution of multiple foreign citizens in such rapid succession as “absolutely unprecedented.”

This assessment underscores the exceptional nature of China’s decision to execute four Canadian citizens, as the execution of Western nationals in China is extremely rare.

Impact on Bilateral Relations

The executions have exacerbated tensions between Canada and China, with multiple experts suggesting the incident signals Beijing’s lack of interest in improving relations.

Michael Chong, a Canadian opposition lawmaker, stated that “executing several Canadians in short order is unprecedented and is a sign that Beijing has no intention of improving relations with Canada.”

Former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig, who was detained in China for over 1,000 days, described the executions as a “relatively extreme move” that demonstrates “both a callous disregard for human life and human rights and also indifference to the views of other countries.”

Kovrig has advocated for a more strategic approach, suggesting that Canada should “make clear there will be no progress on any trade and investment opportunities until there is progress on human rights problems.”

Lynette Ong, a Chinese politics professor at the University of Toronto, noted that Beijing uses the timing of these executions to maintain pressure and leverage in its discussions with Canada.

This assessment aligns with a pattern of escalating tensions through various mechanisms, including judicial, diplomatic, and economic.

Conclusion

A Relationship at a Crossroads

The execution of four Canadian citizens by China represents a significant inflection point in Canada-China relations, which have deteriorated steadily since 2018.

While drug offenses are certainly the stated reason for the executions, the broader context suggests they cannot be viewed in isolation from the ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

China’s actions appear designed to signal its sovereignty and unwillingness to yield to international pressure, particularly on matters it considers internal affairs.

Meanwhile, Canada faces the challenge of protecting its citizens abroad while maintaining a working relationship with the world’s second-largest economy.

As former Canadian diplomat Michael Kovrig observed, there are approximately 100 Canadians currently being held in China, highlighting the ongoing human stakes in this diplomatic rift.

Moving forward, the relationship between Canada and China will likely remain strained, with limited prospects for improvement in the near term unless significant changes occur in the approach of one or both nations.

This incident underscores the complex intersection of national sovereignty, criminal justice, human rights, and international relations in an increasingly multipolar world where traditional diplomatic levers may be ineffective.