The Government of Canada updated a travel advisory for China on January 14 amid growing concerns for the safety of its residents.
The news comes after a recent trial found that Robert Schellenberg of Abbotsford, B.C. would be sentenced to death.
The Canadian has been in custody since 2014 in China after being convicted in a case of drug trafficking. And, while China says that the charge is unrelated to the detention of Hauwei CFO Meng Wanzhou in Canada, many people believe that the decision is highly politicized.
In December, China summoned the Canadian ambassador to protest the detention of Meng, the daughter of the communications giant founder, calling it “unreasonable, unconscionable, and vile in nature.”
Further, there was a warning of “grave consequences” if she is not released.
As a result, Canada has determined that travellers ought to exercise a high degree of caution in China. And, while it isn’t advising residents avoid travel to the country altogether, it has identified safety and security concerns. What’s more, the safety and security of the situation could change with little notice.
As such, travellers should exercise a high degree of caution at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.
South of the border, the U.S. government has also issued a travel advisory, stating that travellers ought to, “Exercise increased caution in China due to arbitrary enforcement of local laws as well as special restrictions on dual U.S.-Chinese nationals.”
The Government of Canada also warns that the, “Chinese authorities apply, sometimes arbitrarily, the death penalty for both violent and non-violent crimes.”
Amnesty International also notes that the China executes more people than any other country in the world. Further, it notes that number of executions is “shrouded in secrecy.”
--With files from Business in Vancouver.
