Question: UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy issued a statement to play up so-called human rights issues in Xinjiang and point fingers at Thailand’s repatriation of 40 Chinese nationals who illegally entered Thailand to China. What is your comment?

Embassy Spokesperson: By hyping an already infamous lie on Xinjiang, the UK is trying to discredit China’s policy in Xinjiang and point fingers at normal law enforcement cooperation between China and Thailand. We are firmly opposed to this and have refuted this statement.

The repatriation has been carried out in accordance with the laws of China and Thailand, international law and common practices. It was a step taken by the two sides to jointly combat human smuggling and other cross-border crimes. The lawful rights and interests of the individuals concerned have been fully protected. While asking for other countries’ cooperation to end small boat crossings, it is making irresponsible remarks on China-Thailand cooperation in combating smuggling activities. This fully exposes the absurdity of British politicians.

The so-called assessment on Xinjiang is filled with false information and is entirely illegal and null and void. Now, Xinjiang enjoys social stability and economic prosperity, with people of all ethnic groups there living and working in peace and contentment and their fundamental rights and freedoms fully safeguarded in accordance with the law. This is a fact that anyone without prejudice will recognise. Such hype by the UK side totally disregards facts. It is nothing but despicable political manipulation.

We urge the UK to reflect on its own serious human rights violations, stop smearing other countries under the pretext of human rights and interfering in other countries' normal law enforcement cooperation.