In a significant development, China has quietly resumed cooperation with the United States on the repatriation of Chinese migrants illegally stranded in the U.S. This comes as a response to the surge in Chinese migrants crossing the southern border into the United States, as reported by The Associated Press.
The repatriation cooperation, which was halted by China in August 2022, has been reinstated amid escalating tensions over various geopolitical issues, including Taiwan. China’s initial halt was seen as a retaliatory measure over the visit to Taiwan by then-Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.
Beijing’s stance on Taiwan remains firm, considering it a breakaway province that must eventually reunite with the mainland. However, this resumption of cooperation signals a willingness to engage with the United States on pressing issues, despite underlying political tensions.
The surge in illegal migration from China to the US has been alarming, with border officials reporting a significant increase in apprehensions over the past year. In 2023 alone, more than 37,000 Chinese nationals were arrested at the southern border, nearly ten times the figures from the previous year.
China’s Foreign Ministry has affirmed its commitment to dialogue and cooperation with the US in immigration enforcement, indicating a readiness to accept Chinese nationals who are deported from the US.
This renewed cooperation follows high-level talks between the US and China on immigration issues, as disclosed by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in April.
However, experts caution that while negotiations may lead to an increase in deportations in the short term, the long-term impact depends on the capacity of the US to conduct removals and enforce border security effectively.
Meanwhile, efforts to stem the flow of illegal migrants have seen some success, with a decline in Chinese nationals attempting to enter the US via the southern border in recent months. This decline is attributed to stronger visa and border enforcement measures, as well as China’s censorship of online information about migration routes.
Social media platforms like Douyin (Chinese version of TikTok) have cracked down on content related to illegal migration, making it increasingly difficult for migrants to access information about travel routes.
Despite these challenges, stories of perseverance among Chinese migrants persist. Individuals like Yang Yinhua, who evaded border patrols to enter the US, highlight the complexities of migration and the human drive for better opportunities.
As China and the US navigate their complex relationship, the issue of illegal migration remains a focal point, underscoring the importance of continued cooperation and dialogue in addressing shared challenges.