Overview

• China confirmed the execution of four Canadian citizens earlier this year on drug-related charges, despite repeated clemency appeals from Canadian officials.
• The executed individuals were dual Canadian-Chinese citizens; China does not recognize dual citizenship and defended the executions as lawful under its strict anti-drug policies.
• Canada's Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly and former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau personally appealed for leniency before the executions, which Canada has condemned as inconsistent with basic human dignity.
• The identities of the executed individuals have been withheld at the request of their families, who are receiving consular support from the Canadian government.
• The incident has further strained Canada-China relations, already tense due to trade disputes, allegations of election interference, and past diplomatic conflicts.