The Chinese Embassy in Ottawa, Canada, issued a strong statement on Saturday, rejecting remarks made by Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly over Thailand returning 40 Chinese Uyghurs to China.
Joly accused China of torture, and political persecution of ethnic minorities.
A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy criticized Joly’s comments, calling them baseless and accusing the country of spreading false information. The spokesperson stated that the cooperation between China and Thailand to repatriate illegal immigrants followed legal procedures and dismissed the accusations as interference in China’s internal affairs.
The spokesperson emphasized that illegal migration and smuggling are internationally recognized crimes. The Chinese government opposes all forms of human smuggling and works to combat crimes related to border control.
In partnership with other countries, China has increased international cooperation to tackle cross-border crimes.
According to the spokesperson, the return of the 40 Uyghurs complied with both Chinese and Thai laws, as well as international standards. The measure was part of a broader effort to address smuggling and similar offences.
The spokesperson also stated that the rights of those involved were fully protected throughout the process.
They also highlighted China’s commitment to the rule of law, noting the country’s established legal framework and mechanisms for protecting human rights. The spokesperson said China’s achievements in this area are well-documented and recognized globally.
In contrast, the spokesperson pointed to Canada’s own human rights issues, including systemic discrimination against Black and ethnic minorities, as well as insufficient protections for Indigenous and homeless populations.
They called on Canada to focus on solving its own problems rather than spreading misinformation or interfering in China’s affairs.
China urged Canada to abandon double standards, address its domestic human rights concerns, and stop spreading false claims. The spokesperson warned that such actions could strain relations between the two countries.
