BEIJING—A Canadian citizen sentenced to death in China for drug smuggling plans to appeal the verdict, which Chinese state media and officials are touting as a just display of judicial power.

Monday’s verdict against Robert Schellenberg sparked concern in Canada. Officials there believe China is using the case and the detention of other Canadians to pressure Ottawa about the arrest of a well-connected Chinese telecommunications executive. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Beijing is arbitrarily applying the death penalty.

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