Canada – Raoul Wallenberg Center, May 28, 2026
The Honourable Anita Anand
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada
Global Affairs Canada, 125 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G2
May 28, 2026
Dear Minister Anand,
We write as members of the Canadian Coalition on Human Rights in China, a coalition of ten Canadian organizations dedicated to ensuring there is strong attention to human rights in Canada’s relationship with China, on the occasion of your meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
This meeting carries particular urgency, and presents a unique opportunity to address China’s unabating and intensifying campaign of transnational repression against Canadians.
Urgent Prisoner Cases
Jimmy Lai’s case epitomizes the CCP’s use of hostage diplomacy. The 78-year-old diabetic publisher, whose family and business ties to Canada are extensive, has spent more than 1,800 days imprisoned under abusive conditions before being sentenced to 20 years under Hong Kong’s National Security Law for journalism. He was denied legal representation of his own choosing, denied a fair trial, denied adequate healthcare, and denied consular access.
His prosecution exemplifies the CCP’s broader pattern of transnational repression and politically motivated detention. Lai’s immediate family is Canadian, he employs over 1000 Canadians, and his cause has been championed unanimously by both Houses of Parliament and the Government. With his life hanging in the balance, we urge you to call for his release.
As you know, Canadians continue to be held captive by China, including Huseyin Celil, a Uyghur Canadian denied consular access for 20 years; and Dr. Wang Bingzhang, a Canadian Permanent Resident sentenced to life imprisonment in solitary confinement for supporting democracy, and whose Canadian wife and children have spent decades awaiting his return.
Canada’s record on political prisoners is commendably improving. You co-led the G7 statement condemning Jimmy Lai’s conviction and calling for his immediate release. Prime Minister Carney raised the case of Jimmy Lai with President Xi in January 2026.
We ask you to build on this record by raising the cases of Jimmy Lai, Huseyin Celil, and Dr. Wang Bingzhang publicly, prominently, and persistently — before, during, and after this meeting.
