China has vehemently criticized Canada, accusing it of hypocrisy in light of Ottawa’s recent sanctions against Chinese officials over alleged human-rights abuses. Beijing has highlighted Canada’s own challenges with Indigenous Peoples, arguing that the country is in no position to lecture others on human rights.
The dispute erupted after Canada sanctioned eight Chinese officials, citing severe violations against ethnic and religious minorities, particularly focusing on the treatment of Uyghur people. Ottawa’s concerns extended to the suppression of democracy in Hong Kong. In response, China imposed sanctions against Canadian groups and activists who support minority rights in China, restricting its citizens from engaging with them.
China’s state media has consistently lambasted Canada for its Indigenous rights record, portraying the northern nation as hypocritical. During a recent press briefing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning condemned Canada’s actions as a “hypocritical farce of double standards,” suggesting Ottawa should address alleged systemic racial discrimination within its borders rather than vilify China.
These tensions have been exacerbated by Canada’s public statements regarding China’s human-rights practices, including allegations of arbitrary detentions and repression of various minority groups. In the wake of Canada’s sanctions, China’s embassy in Ottawa has amplified messages targeting Canada, including a political cartoon illustrating perceived double standards.
Meanwhile, a United Nations assessment noted progress in Canada’s Indigenous rights but urged further actions to address issues like the overrepresentation of minorities in prison and respecting Indigenous rights. Concurrently, the UN has encouraged China to adhere to international human-rights standards, focusing on practices in regions such as Tibet and Xinjiang.
