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

 
Chinese Embassy in Canada on Saturday voiced strong opposition to the unwarranted remarks by Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly on Thursday which expressed so-called concern over the repatriation of 40 Chinese nationals who illegally entered Thailand back to China. 

"We have noticed Canada's unwarranted remarks about the lawful and legitimate cooperation between China and Thailand in repatriating Chinese illegal immigrants in accordance with the law, which spread false information, smeared China's religious and ethnic policies, and interfered in China's internal affairs," said spokesperson with the Chinese Embassy in Canada, adding China strongly deplores and opposes it.

The spokesperson pointed out that illegal migration and smuggling are internationally recognized crimes. The Chinese government firmly opposes all forms of human smuggling, fights crimes that involve obstructing national frontier and border administration in accordance with the law, and has strengthened international law enforcement cooperation with relevant countries to jointly address the challenge of cross-border crimes. 

"The repatriation of the 40 Chinese illegal immigrants is carried out in accordance with the laws of China and Thailand as well as international law and common practices. It is a step taken by the two sides to jointly combat human smuggling and other cross-border crimes. And the lawful rights and interests of individuals concerned are fully protected," said the spokesperson.

The spokesperson noted that China upholds the rule of law and has well-developed laws and regulations and working mechanisms in human rights protection in the judicial area. Its achievements are there for all to see. 

"On the contrary, Canada itself has a lot of human rights problems that remain unaddressed, such as the long-standing systematic discrimination against the black people and ethnic minorities and the lack of protection for the rights of the indigenous people and homeless people. China urges Canada to give up the double standards and reflect upon itself, invest more energy and time in resolving its own human rights issues, and stop spreading lies and misinformation about China, so as to avoid creating any obstacles for China-Canada relations," the spokesperson stressed.