Canada confirmed that four dual-citizen Canadians were executed in China earlier this year on drug charges.

Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly said Canada had repeatedly called for clemency, but Beijing insisted the executions were lawful.

China’s embassy urged Canada to respect its judicial sovereignty amid already strained relations.

Amnesty International condemned the executions as inhumane, the BBC has reported.

Tensions between the two nations have worsened in recent years over issues including espionage claims, trade disputes, and past arrests of Canadian citizens in China.

Written by B.C. Begley