China urges Canada not to interfere in its judicial sovereignty

China on Thursday urged Canada to respect the spirit of the rule of law and stop interfering in China's judiciary sovereignty.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks at a regular news conference, after reports quoted Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly as saying that China had executed four Canadian citizens in recent months on drug-related charges.

Combating drug-related crimes is the responsibility of all countries, Mao pointed out.

Stressing that the law treats everyone the same regardless of nationality, Mao said the Chinese judicial authorities handle those cases justly in strict accordance with the law.  

The lawful rights of the defendants and the consular rights of the Canadian side are fully protected as stipulated by the law, she added.