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Chinese nationals involved in illegal immigration who were repatriated from Thailand to China return to homes and reunite with their families on February 28, 2025. Photo: WeChat account of Chinese Embassy in Thailand

The Chinese Embassy in Thailand released a statement on Sunday responding to recent inquiries and hype about the repatriation of 40 Chinese nationals to China from Thailand on Thursday.

The individuals repatriated this time were illegal border crossers who had entered Thailand unlawfully (not refugees), and that the repatriation is a normal law enforcement cooperation between China and Thailand to combat illegal immigration and human smuggling, grounded in international law and consistent with international practices, said the Chinese Embassy.

A few countries and international organizations have claimed that Thailand's repatriation of 40 Chinese nationals to China violates international law and international treaties, the embassy spokesperson said that illegal migration and smuggling are internationally recognized crimes, and repatriating illegal immigrants and human smugglers in accordance with the law is a legitimate law enforcement action of sovereign states. 

A certain major power, while coercing relevant international organizations to criticize the normal cooperation between China and Thailand in combating illegal immigration and human smuggling, has itself deported more than 270,000 illegal immigrants in the 2024 fiscal year. This is a typical example of double standards and an act of bullying, a blatant interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states, and a connivance of transnational criminal activities. 

Regarding claims by certain countries and individuals that the repatriated individuals would face torture and human rights violations after being repatriated to China, the spokesperson responded that the reality is that China is governed by the rule of law, adhering to both combating crimes in accordance with the law and protecting human rights. As one of the earliest signatories to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, China has conscientiously fulfilled its treaty obligations and has a comprehensive legal framework for human rights protection in the fields of law enforcement and justice. There are both strict and comprehensive operational mechanisms as well as fully effective supervisory mechanisms in place. Even individuals who have violated the law or committed crimes have their lawful rights fully protected.

The Chinese nationals repatriated this time had illegally entered Thailand. Due to obstruction by certain major powers and anti-China forces, they were unable to be repatriated to China in a timely manner in accordance with common international practices and had been detained in Thailand for more than a decade, during which their legitimate rights were severely harmed, read the spokesperson's statement

The spokesperson noted that after these individuals being repatriated to China and went through the necessary legal procedures, the arrangements for them to return home and reunite with their families have been made, which is the most beneficial protection of their human rights. Moving forward, local governments will work together with their families to assist them based on their needs, including employment support and vocational training, helping them overcome the inconveniences and difficulties caused by more than 10 years of detention in Thailand, and facilitating their reintegration into normal life as soon as possible.

Regarding these individuals who illegally crossed the border from China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in the past, the spokesperson stated that since the 1990s, international terrorist activities have been rampant. Some terrorist forces, such as the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), which has been designated as an international terrorist organization by the United Nations, have extended their reach into China's Xinjiang region. There are also certain major powers behind this with their disgraceful geopolitical schemes. 

Under such influence, violent terrorist incidents frequently occurred in some parts of Xinjiang region for a period, seriously endangering the lives and property of people of all ethnic groups in the region. Some anti-China organizations and terrorist forces abroad deceived and incited local individuals to illegally cross the border, using the Indochina Peninsula region as a key passage in an attempt to channel manpower for their anti-China terrorist activities.

The Chinese central government and the Xinjiang regional government have united and led people of all ethnic groups to combat violent terrorist forces and maintain security and stability, with long-term, unremitting efforts, achieving remarkable results. Since the end of 2016, no violent terrorist incidents have occurred in Xinjiang. Today, Xinjiang's economic and social development is progressing rapidly, ethnic groups live in harmony, and people enjoy a peaceful and prosperous life.

Certain countries and international anti-China forces, however, ignore the positive reality of Xinjiang, fabricate and spread lies about the region, deliberately distorting and smearing its image, imposing harsh sanctions on Xinjiang enterprises and products, said the spokesperson. Their purpose is an attempt to undermine Xinjiang's stability and contain China's development under the guise of human rights and religion. Their actions are an affront to the Chinese people and an attempt to fool the world, and they are being contempted and opposed by people around the globe.

The spokesperson also noted that, at China's invitation, the Thai government dispatched high-level officials to China's Xinjiang to witness the returnees' arrival and visit their homes, where they personally saw their reunions with family members. Through photos and videos, people have already gained an understanding of the situation. China is willing to continue inviting Thai officials to visit and learn about the follow-up developments, witnessing the real lives of these individuals in the future, based on Thailand's needs.

Last year, the Chinese television drama My Altay became a hit, sparking curiosity and admiration for Xinjiang among many Thai friends. Xinjiang's doors are open - last year alone, the region received as many as 300 million visits. We welcome people from all countries, free from prejudice, to visit Xinjiang for exchanges and firsthand experiences. They can witness Xinjiang's breathtaking scenery, social stability, economic prosperity, ethnic harmony, and religious freedom, as well as its rapid development and the happy lives of local people, the spokesperson added.

Global Times