France Confirms Execution of Chan Thao Phoumy in Guangzhou

France has condemned the execution of a French citizen by Chinese authorities after the man spent more than 15 years on death row. Chan Thao Phoumy, 62, was executed in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou for drug trafficking.

The French Foreign Ministry confirmed the execution in a statement released late Saturday, April 4, 2026. According to the ministry, the execution took place despite repeated clemency appeals submitted by French authorities.

Chan Thao Phoumy was originally sentenced to death by a Chinese court in 2010. The French government expressed consternation regarding the outcome and specifically highlighted concerns over the legal process.

The French Foreign Ministry stated that they particularly regret that Mr. Chan’s defense did not have access to the final court hearing, which constitutes a violation of his rights.

In a statement issued on Sunday, April 5, 2026, the Chinese Embassy in Paris responded to the development. While the embassy did not mention Chan Thao Phoumy by name, it asserted that China treats defendants of all nationalities equally, handles all cases impartially and strictly in accordance with the law.

Diplomatic and Legal Context

The execution highlights a significant divergence in legal standards and human rights positions between the two nations. France abolished the death penalty through an act of parliament in 1981 and has since acted as a vigorous campaigner for the global abolition of capital punishment.

In contrast, China continues to utilize executions, typically carried out via lethal injection or firing squads. The process remains shrouded in secrecy, though the scale is extensive. Amnesty International identifies China as the world’s lead executioner, estimating that the country sentences and executes thousands of individuals annually.

The French Foreign Ministry extended condolences to the family of Chan Thao Phoumy, stating that they share in the family’s grief.

We particularly regret that Mr. Chan’s defense did not have access to the final court hearing, which constitutes a violation of his rights.

French Foreign Ministry