Repatriated Chinese nationals reunite with their family members at airport. Photo: China's Ministry of Public Security

Forty Chinese nationals involved in illegal immigration were repatriated from Thailand to China on Thursday as part of joint efforts to combat cross-border crimes and protect the legitimate rights of Chinese citizens, according to China's Ministry of Public Security (MPS).

The operation, conducted in accordance with Chinese and Thai laws, international regulations and established practices, is one example of collaboration between the two nations to address transnational criminal activities.

According to the MPS, the repatriated Chinese citizens were lured by criminal organizations and illegally left China, subsequently becoming stranded in Thailand, which has caused significant hardship for them and their families.

The MPS revealed that the relatives of repatriated Chinese nationals have repeatedly requested assistance from the Chinese government, seeking their prompt return home and reunion with family. The effort to facilitate their repatriation is a reflection of the Chinese police's commitment to effectively protecting the legitimate rights and interests of its citizens.

Responding to media inquiries regarding a human rights group urging the Thai government to halt plans to deport over 40 Uygur men who have been detained in Thailand for years, claiming they will face human rights violations in China, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Thursday that the Chinese nationals who illegally entered Thailand have been repatriated to China.

Illegal migration and smuggling are internationally recognized crimes, which seriously disrupt normal cross-border order. The Chinese government firmly opposes all forms of human smuggling, Lin noted, adding that China will continue to fight crimes that involve obstructing national frontier and border administration in accordance with the law, and hold those planning and organizing such activities accountable for legal responsibilities. Meanwhile, China will actively participate in global security governance and strengthen international law enforcement cooperation with relevant countries.

As for the remarks made by certain institutions regarding human rights violations, Lin said China upholds the rule of law and has well-developed laws and regulations and working mechanisms in human rights protection in the judicial area, and "its achievements are there for all to see." 

All Chinese, including Uygurs in Xinjiang, fully enjoy economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights. Some political forces and institutions fabricate and spread Xinjiang-related lies for no other reason than to destabilize Xinjiang, the spokesperson noted. Certain parties must stop concocting and spreading Xinjiang-related lies and absurd accusations, he urged.

Hailing the joint efforts in combating cross-border crimes, Ge Hongliang, vice dean of the ASEAN College at the Guangxi Minzu University, said they have shown positive results, and the next step is to further address the root causes of cross-border crimes. 

"On one hand, whether the cross-border crime groups have links with domestic gangs needs to be exposed, which still poses a significant threat and requires stronger domestic enforcement; on the other hand, on the international front, policy differences present challenges to law enforcement efforts," Ge said. 

Furthermore, he believes that clearer regulations and agreements are necessary at a broader regional level, particularly in China's cooperation with ASEAN or even across the Asia-Pacific. International treaties could also strengthen efforts to combat cross-border crimes, Ge noted.

Major cross-border crimes include telecom fraud and illegal trafficking, especially of laborers, the expert said. What's more, with the rise of digital economies and artificial intelligence, technology has made cross-border crimes easier to occur. Therefore, it is essential to adapt legal frameworks and definitions to address evolving criminal methods effectively.

The latest achievement comes as the Thai government intensified efforts in campaigns against cross-border crimes, including cutting electricity and fuel supplies and internet services near borders to combat telecom and online fraud.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said on Tuesday that Thailand has recently made positive progress in cracking down on border crimes in cooperation with relevant countries. Her government attaches great importance to the issue of telecom fraud and consistently upholds a "relentless" approach, Paetongtarn said at a cabinet meeting, according to CCTV News.