Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
In response to a question concerning US Secretary of State Rubio's announcement of visa restrictions and other sanctions against Thai officials for their role in deporting at least 40 Uygurs to China, as well as a statement made by the Thai Foreign Affairs Ministry that emphasized Thailand has always adhered to humanitarian principles in its repatriation of Chinese nationals and the Thailand-US relationship should be built on the foundation of mutual respect, Chinese FM spokesperson Mao Ning stated that the cooperation between China and Thailand in combating smuggling and other cross-border illegal activities is in accordance with the laws of both countries, as well as international laws and practices, and that the US has no right to interfere.
Mao said that the 40 Chinese citizens were detained in Thailand for up to 10 years after being arrested or illegally exiting their country. The Chinese government has the obligation and responsibility to protect its citizens, help them reunite with their families, and return to normal life. She also noted that the US attempt to politicize this issue is, in essence, an act of applying double standards to suppress dissents.
In fiscal year 2024, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deported over 270,000 undocumented immigrants from 192 countries, marking the highest number of deportations since 2014, said Mao. While indiscriminately enforcing mass deportations, the US simultaneously unjustly accuses, attacks, smears, sanctions, and pressures other countries for their legitimate law enforcement cooperation. This is a typical example of bullying behavior, she noted.
China strongly condemns any malicious slander and illegal sanctions targeting China and Thailand, and resolutely opposes the US using human rights as a pretext to manipulate Xinjiang-related issues, interfere in China's internal affairs, and disrupt normal law enforcement cooperation between China and relevant countries, Mao said.
China will continue to strengthen communication and coordination with relevant countries on the basis of mutual respect and equal consultation, safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens, and enhance international law enforcement cooperation, she noted.
Global Times
