China has revoked the death penalty for a Canadian citizen, with lawyers attributing this to Carney's visit.

China's Supreme People's Court has overturned the death sentence for Canadian citizen Robert Schellenberg, convicted of drug smuggling, reopening a sensitive diplomatic case between Beijing and Ottawa after years.

Schellenberg was arrested in 2014 and originally sentenced to 15 years in prison, but after a retrial in 2019, he was sentenced to death.

The sentence was increased shortly after Canada detained Huawei's chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou, at the request of the United States, which significantly worsened relations between the two countries.

The convicted man's lawyer claims that the change in the court's decision is likely related to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's recent visit to China and the improving political atmosphere. After years of tension, including mutual tariffs and the detention of citizens, Beijing and Ottawa have agreed to reduce tariffs on electric vehicles and rapeseed products.

However, analysts point out that despite this sign of easing tensions, Schellenberg's full release is unlikely.

(reuters, pir)