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China Voice: Don't politicize illegal immigration

Xinhua, July 11, 2015 Adjust font size:

Thailand's recent repatriation of over 100 illegal immigrants to China caught international attention, sparking protest from some countries and raising the concerns of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

Thailand's repatriation of illegal immigrants to China is normal cooperation between the two countries on the crackdown of human smuggling, as well as an international obligation.

These repatriated Chinese minority citizens were illegal immigrants who had traveled to and stayed in Thailand. A large number of illegal immigrants and "snakeheads" have been repatriated from Southeast Asia this year.

Some were suspected of crimes or participating in terrorist activities in China. Others were ordinary Chinese who had been coerced to cross the national border to seek "a better life."

Illegal immigration using forged passports violates law and is against the normal international order of exit and entry. Chinese police have dealt with those repatriated according to law, and, in order to protect their interests, educating and resettling those who have been coerced. Most have returned to new, normal lives.

Clamping down on illegal immigrants and smuggling is an obligation of all countries. Politicizing Thailand's repatriation of Chinese illegal immigrants and incorrectly terming them "refugees", reeks of double standards.

Some foreign governments and forces have ignored the basic facts, criticizing law-enforcement cooperation between China and Thailand, and politicizing the issue. These serve as connivance in illegal immigration and smuggling and violate international treaties and laws, which harm global joint efforts in combating illegal immigration.

For a long time, finger-pointing tactics concerning China's ethnic and religious issues, and the interference in internal affairs, have been used by certain foreign forces to disrupt China's security and stability.

Issues such as illegal immigration are simply crimes, and they should not be linked to ethnic or religious issues. Countries and international organizations that mix the two and mislead public opinion are exposing their true intentions. Endi