Canada updates travel advisory after China executes four Canadians
In a recently updated travel advisory, the government urges Canadians travelling to China to “exercise a high degree of caution” after the country executed four Canadians.
The risk level is currently yellow, meaning there are “certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly.”
“Exercise a high degree of caution in China due to the risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws,” reads the advisory, which was updated on March 17. “Our ability to provide consular assistance in China is limited due to the level of transparency in China’s judicial system. It may also impact your ability to obtain effective legal assistance.”
Canadians are warned that they could be severely punished even for non-violent crimes, and Chinese authorities may apply the death penalty in crimes they consider serious, such as drug offences.
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The government is also warning Canadians of exit bans that would prevent them from leaving the country as they go through customs and immigration.
“An exit ban may prevent you from leaving the country if you, your family, or your employer and/or business associates are involved in any open civil or criminal investigations, including business disputes,” reads the statement.
Dual citizens are urged to travel using a valid Canadian passport and to present themselves as Canadian to authorities.
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly confirmed that four Canadians were executed due to drug-related charges. The Canadians executed were all dual citizens.
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly (CPAC)
“We strongly condemn the execution that did happen against Canadians in China,” she said during a media scrum on Parliament Hill on March 19. She added that, along with former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, they had asked China for leniency to ensure that “these Canadians would ultimately be safe.”
No other details were provided per the families’ request to protect their privacy.
“We will continue to engage with China as we only not continue to strongly condemn but also ask for leniency for other Canadians facing a similar situation,” said Joly.
Daily Hive has contacted Global Affairs and will update this story when it responds.