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 US State Department announced sanctions on an unspecified number of current and former Thai officials on Friday for their role in the repatriation of Chinese citizens in a joint crackdown on illegal immigration. Chinese observers condemned such move as a hypocritical meddling in China's internal affairs under the guise of human rights, which aims to undermine legitimate law enforcement cooperation between China and Thailand.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Friday that he was "immediately moving to impose visa restrictions on officials involved in the deportations." No Thai official has been named. The visa restrictions were not explained but can entail a denial of entry to the US, AP reported.
Rubio claimed that the US is committed to opposing China's efforts to repatriate Uygurs and other groups, alleging they face "torture and enforced disappearances."
China firmly opposes the use of Xinjiang-related issues to interfere in its internal affairs and disrupt lawful cooperation between China and other nations under the guise of human rights, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said at a routine press conference on February 28.
"Let me stress that the repatriation is carried out in accordance with the laws of China and Thailand as well as international law and common practices. China upholds the rule of law and has well developed laws and regulations and working mechanisms in human rights protection in the judicial area. The achievements are there for all to see. People of all ethnic groups in China, including the Uygurs in Xinjiang, fully enjoy economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights," Lin said.
The Chinese Embassy in Thailand clarified the truth behind Thailand's repatriation of Chinese nationals. It released a statement on March 2 responding to recent hypes about the repatriation of 40 Chinese nationals to China from Thailand, saying that the individuals repatriated this time were illegal border crossers who had entered Thailand unlawfully (not refugees), and that the repatriation was normal law enforcement cooperation between China and Thailand to combat illegal immigration and human smuggling.
Illegal migration and smuggling are internationally recognized crimes, and repatriating illegal immigrants and human smugglers in accordance with the law is a legitimate sovereign law enforcement action, the embassy said.
While releasing several photos showing their reunion with their families, the embassy emphasized in a statement on February 28 that both China and Thailand prioritize the rule of law and human rights protection. As previously communicated by the Chinese side to the Thai authorities, the crime committed by the individuals involved was limited to illegal immigration, with no other serious offenses found. After completing the necessary legal procedures, they were released and allowed to return home, which is the best protection of their legal rights. China will also provide further assistance to help these individuals reintegrate into society and resume normal lives.
Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Phumtham Wechayachai told at a press conference on February 28 that Thailand acted in accordance with the law, Khaosod English reported.
The US kept sensationalizing lawful cooperation between China and Thailand on handling illegal immigration. It's true intention is never a concern for Uygurs, but rather a smear campaign against China under the guise of human rights issue, Lü Xiang, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times on Saturday.
While the US deports illegal immigrants within its own borders, it simultaneously criticizes other countries' actions that align with international and domestic laws, exposing its double standards and political manipulation, Lü criticized.
Imagine if a group of Mexicans, misled by drug cartels, entered the US, forcing American immigration authorities to bear the burden of looking after them for over a decade - how would Washington respond? Without a doubt, the US' political manipulation will create more complex difficulties for the country in addressing its own illegal immigration challenges, he said.
