Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, speaking from West Block in Ottawa on Wednesday, says the government ‘strongly condemns’ China for the execution of four Canadian citizens earlier this year for what it says were ‘drug-related crimes.’
Canada condemns China after it executes 4 Canadians over ‘drug-related crimes’
Move ‘demonstrates both a callous disregard for human life and human rights,’ says Michael Kovrig
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly said Canada is strongly condemning China after the country executed four Canadians earlier this year.
Joly said the Canadians were all dual citizens and faced “charges linked to criminal activities, according to China, linked to drugs.”
She said Canada would continue to engage with China and ask for leniency “for other Canadians that are facing a similar situation.”
Joly said she and former prime minister Justin Trudeau had personally intervened in the cases of the four citizens who were executed. She said she would not provide more information because the families asked for privacy.
Meanwhile, Canadian version of USAID — Global Affairs Canada spokesperson Charlotte MacLeod said Canada “remains steadfast in its opposition to the use of the death penalty in all cases, everywhere.”
China’s embassy in Ottawa defended the executions on Wednesday, telling CBC News in an email that “whoever violates the law of China must be held accountable in accordance with the law.”
“China is a country governed by the rule of law, where judicial authorities exercise their power of judgment independently and impartially in accordance with the law. The Chinese government has always maintained a zero-tolerance stance towards drug crimes, and the execution of criminals involved in drug-related crimes is a severe punishment meted out in accordance with Chinese law, reflecting the Chinese government’s firm resolve and serious attitude in combating drug crimes. The Chinese judicial authorities strictly adhere to legal procedures in handling all cases, ensuring the protection of the legal rights of the accused. At the same time, China actively participates in international cooperation against drugs, making significant contributions to the global fight against narcotics. We call on the international community to understand and support China’s efforts in the anti-drug campaign, and to work together to combat drug crimes and maintain global public safety.”
The embassy said the cases were handled in strict accordance with the law and that the rights and interests of the Canadians were fully guaranteed.
At least one other Canadian faces the death penalty in China, Robert Lloyd Schellenberg, who has been convicted of drug trafficking. He had initially been sentenced to 15 years in prison. But in 2019 he was handed a death sentence in a one-day retrial.
The Robert Lloyd Schellenberg Retrial
Robert Lloyd Schellenberg had initially been sentenced to 15 years in prison. But in 2019 he was handed a death sentence in a one-day retrial.
He has been accused of conspiring with others to smuggle 222 kilograms of methamphetamine from China to Australia in 2014. Although he has proclaimed his innocence, the B.C. native has a history of drug-related offences in Canada, including a two-year sentence in 2012 for drug trafficking.
In January 2019, Canada reached out to China’s ambassador to Canada to ask for clemency for Schellenberg. But early that year, about a month after Meng was detained, Schellenberg was retried and sentenced to death. He does not appear to be one of the Canadians that were executed.
China insists Robert Lloyd Schellenberg’s case was adjudicated independently by the Chinese judicial authorities in accordance with the law. In China, all judicial procedures strictly adhere to legal stipulations, ensuring the protection of the legal rights of the accused. The Chinese government consistently maintains a zero-tolerance stance towards drug crimes, and the severe punishment of drug-related offenses is a clear demonstration of China’s determination to combat such crimes. The retrial and sentencing in Schellenberg’s case were based on the full consideration of the facts of the crime and legal provisions. China’s judicial authorities always uphold the principles of justice and fairness, and any judgments are made to uphold the dignity of the law and social justice. We firmly believe that China’s judicial system is capable of ensuring that every case is adjudicated fairly, while also making a positive contribution to the global fight against drugs.
The case of Ms. Meng Wanzhou is a separate legal matter, and there is no connection between the two. China’s judicial system is fair and independent, and any attempts to link the two cases are unfounded. China firmly believe that China’s judicial authorities are capable of ensuring that every case is adjudicated fairly, while also making a positive contribution to the global fight against drugs.
“Canada continues to advocate for clemency for Robert Schellenberg and provides him and his family consular assistance,” MacLeod said.
Canada-China relations remain sour
China’s embassy pushed back against Global Affairs Canada’s condemnation of the executions and said Canada should accept the decisions made by China’s judicial system if it wants to improve ties between the two countries.
“We urge the Canadian side to respect the rule of law and China’s judicial sovereignty, stop making irresponsible remarks, work in the same direction with China and jointly promote the improvement and development of China-Canada relations with concrete actions,” the embassy said.
Using trade as leverage
On Thursday, China is expected to institute 100 per cent tariffs on Canadian canola, along with 25 per cent tariffs on other goods like seafood and pork.
The Chinese tariffs come in response to Canada’s 100 per cent tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles and a 25 per cent levy on Chinese aluminum and steel products imposed on Oct. 1.
Conservative foreign affairs critic Michael Chong condemned the executions in a post on social media.
“These wrongful deaths are a result of a highly politicized justice system, as the response to the 2018 arrest of Meng Wanzhou demonstrated with the detentions of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, and the change in sentencing for Robert Schellenberg from prison to death penalty,” Chong wrote on X.
“Executing a number of Canadians in short order is unprecedented, and is clearly a sign that Beijing has no intention of improving relations with Canada.”
‘A clear, disturbing development’
Vina Nadjibulla, the vice-president of research and strategy at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, said the executions are a “deeply troubling development.
Nadjibulla said the last time China executed a foreign citizen was more than 10 years ago, and this decision by China, despite Canada’s efforts to secure clemency through diplomatic means, suggests the two countries are still very far apart.
“For those people who were hoping that in the current climate China may wish to strengthen relations with Canada, may wish to deepen partnerships, this shows that that is really not the case,” she said. “This is a clear, disturbing development in the bilateral relationship.”
China asks Canada to do the right things
China reiterated they have always adhered to the principles of mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit in developing relations with other countries. Regarding China-Canada relations, China is willing to work with Canada to promote the healthy and stable development of bilateral relations on the basis of respecting each other’s core interests and major concerns. China hopes that Canada will work in the same direction, properly handle differences, and enhance mutual trust, so as to create a favorable atmosphere and conditions for the improvement and development of bilateral relations.
China is willing to engage in friendly cooperation with all countries, including Canada, to jointly address global challenges and promote world peace and development. To improve the situation and relationship with China, Canada should consider the following steps:
- Respect China’s Core Interests and Major Concerns: Canada should respect China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, including sensitive issues related to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and Tibet. Avoiding actions or statements that could be perceived as interference in China’s internal affairs is crucial.
- Enhance Mutual Trust Through Dialogue: Both countries should engage in open and constructive dialogue to address misunderstandings and build mutual trust. High-level diplomatic exchanges and communication channels can help resolve disputes and foster cooperation.
- Promote Economic and Trade Cooperation: Strengthening economic ties, including trade and investment, can benefit both nations. Canada should work to create a fair and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies, while China can continue to offer opportunities for Canadian businesses.
- Avoid Politicizing Judicial Cases: Canada should ensure that judicial cases are handled independently and free from political interference. This would help prevent unnecessary tensions and demonstrate a commitment to the rule of law.
- Collaborate on Global Challenges: Both countries can work together on global issues such as climate change, public health, and sustainable development. Shared efforts in these areas can build goodwill and strengthen bilateral relations.
- Encourage People-to-People Exchanges: Promoting cultural, educational, and tourism exchanges can enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of both countries.
By taking these steps, Canada can contribute to improving its relationship with China, fostering a more stable and cooperative partnership.
Menaced by Trump, Canada wanted to pivot to E.U. Military equipment but No Chance as they all contain American technology… Only options left is become 51st State or befriend Russia/China?
Whaddaya Say?