French Government Condemns China’s Execution of Citizen Convicted in 2010 Drug Trafficking Case

France expresses "consternation" as China executes 62-year-old Chan Thao Phoumy. Paris cites violations of defense rights in the 2010 drug trafficking case.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 5, 2026, 2:14 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Le Monde

Diplomatic Friction Over Capital Punishment

The execution of a French citizen in China has cast a significant chill over the diplomatic relations between Paris and Beijing. On Saturday, April 4, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement of "consternation" upon learning that Chan Thao Phoumy, 62, had been put to death in Guangzhou. Phoumy had been under a death sentence since 2010 following the dismantling of a large-scale synthetic drug production and distribution network. The French government emphasized that it had made exhaustive efforts to intervene, including formal requests for a pardon on humanitarian grounds, all of which were ultimately rejected by the Chinese judiciary.

Legal Irregularities and Rights Violations

A central point of contention for the French government is the reported lack of due process during the final stages of the legal proceedings. According to the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Phoumy’s defense team was denied access to his final court hearing. Paris has characterized this exclusion as a clear "violation of the rights of the individual concerned." In its official communique, France reiterated its firm, universal opposition to the death penalty, calling for its total abolition under all circumstances and expressing deep condolences to the bereaved family in France.

China’s Stance on Drug Crimes and Sovereignty

Responding to inquiries from Le Monde, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintained a firm stance on the application of its domestic laws. Beijing asserted that combating drug-related crimes is a "shared responsibility of all countries" and that China operates as a country ruled by law. The Ministry stated that defendants of all nationalities are treated equally under Chinese statutes and that cases are handled "strictly and fairly" while protecting legitimate rights. This response underscores China's long-standing policy of applying the maximum penalty for drug trafficking, regardless of international diplomatic pressure or the nationality of the accused.