Beijing: Beijing on Monday announced it will only accept citizens from mainland China if repatriated from the US, as reported by state media. This decision underscores China's firm stance against illegal immigration activities, according to Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning.

According to Anadolu Agency, Mao Ning addressed questions regarding China's plans to bring back illegal Chinese immigrants from the US. She emphasized that the Chinese government has engaged in pragmatic cooperation with various countries, including the US, in immigration law enforcement, achieving positive results. Mao stated, "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."

China's policy highlights its administrative divisions, where regions like Macao and Hong Kong possess semi-autonomous governments and their own passports. Furthermore, China views Taiwan as a breakaway province, which also maintains its own passport system.

The US, under the newly inaugurated President Donald Trump, has taken a strong stance on immigration. Trump declared an emergency along the southern US borders to curb illegal migration, fulfilling a key election promise. His administration has permitted US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers to make arrests in places previously considered safe havens, such as churches and schools.

This approach caused a temporary rift with Colombia, which initially refused the landing of US military aircraft carrying deported migrants. However, the situation was later resolved, with the White House stating that Colombia agreed to all terms set by Trump for the return of the migrants.