CHINA / DIPLOMACY
Chinese FM responds to question on whether China plans to bring back illegal immigrants from US
Published: Jan 27, 2025 07:10 PM
Chinese Foreign Ministry

Chinese Foreign Ministry

China hopes and believes that the US and Colombia can handle their affairs properly, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a routine press conference on Monday. Mao was asked to comment on the news that US President Donald Trump on Sunday threatened to impose steep tariffs and visa restrictions on Colombia after the South American country rejected two US military flights carrying migrants deported from the US.

When asked to comment on this and if China plans to bring back illegal Chinese immigrants from the US, Mao said that for the first question, this is a matter between the US and Colombia, and that China hopes and believes "both parties can handle it properly." 

"For the second question, as a matter of principle, the Chinese government firmly opposes any form of illegal immigration activities. We have also carried out pragmatic cooperation with the immigration law enforcement agencies of relevant countries, including the US, and achieved positive results. Regarding the repatriation, China's principle is to verify first and then repatriate. We will accept Chinese citizens who are verified to be from the Chinese mainland," Mao said.

The White House said late Sunday local time that Colombia's President Gustavo Petro had agreed to accept deportation flights from the US.

Global Times