Lawrence Cannon, Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs issued a statement Monday calling on China's communist regime to respect the right to peaceful protest following reports of deaths during riots in China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

“The Government of Canada is alarmed at reports of violence and high numbers of casualties following yesterday’s protests in Xinjiang," read the statement.

“We urge restraint on all sides and call on the Government of China to respect freedom of speech and information and the right to peaceful protest. Dialogue and goodwill are required to help resolve grievances and prevent further deterioration of the situation.
 
“Freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law are values fundamental to Canada’s foreign policy.

“Our embassy in Beijing is monitoring the situation closely. There have been no reports of Canadians in the affected area. Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises Canadians planning to travel to the region to exercise heightened caution and to inform Canadian consular officials of their travel plans.”