Thu Mar 20 09:22:28 UTC 2025: ## China Defends Execution of Four Canadian Citizens Amidst International Condemnation
**Beijing, China –** China has defended the recent execution of four Canadian citizens, asserting that the actions were carried out “in accordance with the law.” This follows strong condemnation from Canada, which revealed the executions on Wednesday and expressed outrage at Beijing’s disregard for pleas for leniency.
Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly confirmed the executions but declined to provide specifics due to privacy concerns of the victims’ families. She stated that both she and former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had appealed to China for clemency.
China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Mao Ning, countered that the Canadians were convicted of narcotics offences, emphasizing that combating drug crimes is a global responsibility. She insisted that China upholds the rule of law and treats all defendants equally, regardless of nationality. A statement from the Chinese embassy further highlighted China’s “zero tolerance” policy towards drug-related crimes.
While China classifies death penalty statistics as state secrets, human rights groups estimate thousands of executions occur annually. The recent execution of the Canadians comes amidst already strained relations between China and Canada, marked by diplomatic disputes including the arrest of a Chinese telecom executive in Canada, subsequent retaliatory detentions, allegations of Chinese interference in Canadian elections, and the expulsion of a Chinese diplomat by Ottawa. These incidents have significantly chilled relations between the two countries.
First Piper 