Four Canadians Executed in China: Ottawa Calls It ‘Inhumane’
- International Affairs South China Sea
Shreya Naskar- 0
- 3 minutes read
In March 2025, China executed four individuals holding Canadian citizenship on charges of drug-related crimes, a move that has significantly intensified diplomatic tensions between Beijing and Ottawa. The Chinese government maintained that these individuals were Chinese nationals, as China does not recognize dual citizenship, thereby rejecting Canada’s consular interventions. China’s Nationality Law, enacted in 1980, explicitly states that the country does not recognize dual nationality. Article 3 of the law asserts, “The People’s Republic of China does not recognize dual nationality for any Chinese national.” This means that individuals who acquire foreign citizenship automatically lose their Chinese nationality. Canadian officials expressed strong condemnation following the executions. Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly criticized China’s actions, labelling them as “inhumane” and inconsistent with basic human dignity. She emphasized Canada’s opposition to the death penalty and vowed to seek leniency for other citizens facing similar sentences. Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau echoed these sentiments, underscoring the government’s commitment to defending its citizens abroad. In response, China’s embassy in Canada highlighted its zero-tolerance policy toward drug-related crimes, asserting that all legal procedures were strictly followed. The embassy emphasized that Chinese law applies equally to all individuals, regardless of their claimed nationality, especially when dual citizenship is not recognized. This incident is not isolated but part of a series of diplomatic strains between the two nations. Tensions escalated in 2018 following the arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou in Vancouver, which was met with China’s detention of two Canadians, Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, on espionage charges. These events have contributed to a complex and often contentious relationship between Canada and China. The executions underscore the precarious position of individuals holding dual citizenship with China. Given China’s non-recognition of dual nationality, such individuals may find themselves subject to Chinese laws without protective interventions from their other country of citizenship. This situation highlights the critical need for dual citizens to be aware of the legal frameworks and potential risks in China.
China’s steadfast application of the death penalty, particularly for drug-related offences, contrasts with Canada’s abolition of capital punishment and its advocacy for human rights. This fundamental difference in legal and moral perspectives remains a point of contention in their bilateral relations. The execution of four Canadians in China has further strained diplomatic ties and brought to light significant issues regarding citizenship, legal rights, and international diplomacy. As both nations navigate this complex landscape, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the profound implications that differing legal systems and policies on citizenship can have on individuals and international relations.
