Trump's Nominee Rubio Pledges to Lobby Thailand on Uyghur Detainees

[webfact]

Picture courtesy: Facebook Immigration Bureau

 

Marco Rubio, nominated by Donald Trump for the role of US Secretary of State, has unequivocally committed to persuading Thailand against deporting 48 Uyghur detainees to China. This pledge arises amidst significant human rights concerns about the potential fate of the Uyghurs if returned to China.

 

The announcement came during Rubio’s confirmation hearing in Washington on Wednesday, where he promised to leverage his potential new role to influence Thailand’s decision-making.

 

The Uyghurs, hailing from China's Xinjiang region, have long faced persecution, with around 1.8 million reportedly held in internment camps starting 2017.

 

Recent reports have resurfaced, indicating that Thailand might proceed with their deportation, igniting a fervent response during the hearing. Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley prompted Rubio to articulate his stance on the matter, emphasising the urgency and ethical weight of preventing the deportations.

Rubio, who maintains a firm stance on China-related policies, assured the committee that he would actively engage Thailand, highlighting the strategic and longstanding alliance between Thailand and the United States as a pivotal aspect of the diplomatic effort. He expressed optimism that America's close partnership with Thailand could indeed render the desired results.

 

An encouraging development has been noted by the World Uyghur Congress (WUC), which suggests that the heightened international spotlight may have temporarily alleviated the immediate threat of deportation.

 

Confidential discussions with Thai insiders reveal that Thailand remains wary of repeating the international outcry that followed the 2015 deportation of over 100 Uyghurs to China, an act that substantially impaired its diplomatic image.

 

Further assurance came from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, which, upon hearing unverified rumours of deportation preparations, received contrasting assurances from Thai authorities, suggesting no imminent action.

 

The saga began in the early 2010s when Thailand emerged as a critical route for Uyghurs escaping the increasing repression at home and seeking asylum in Turkey.

 

In 2014, approximately 350 were detained near the Malaysian border, with many later deported or enduring harsh conditions in Thai detention centres. More than 100 were forcibly returned to China in 2015, with their current whereabouts remaining unknown.

 

This ongoing situation illustrates the complexity of international diplomacy and human rights advocacy, as Rubio stands poised to potentially influence this delicate affair in his prospective role, adding yet another layer to the multifaceted global stage, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-01-16

 

 

[Tailwagsdog]

Good on USA, a shining beacon for human rights around the world. Politically Persecuted Humans escaping Communist China or North Korea & others should be able to transit a friendly country like Thailand and seek refuge in a third country.

[SiSePuede419]

11 hours ago, webfact said:

Marco Rubio, nominated by Donald Trump for the role of US Secretary of State, has unequivocally committed to persuading Thailand against deporting 48 Uyghur detainees to China.

48 down, 1,799,952 more to go.

Good job Lil' Marco.

You get a Participation Ribbon 🎗️ 

[hotchilli]

12 hours ago, webfact said:

Rubio, who maintains a firm stance on China-related policies, assured the committee that he would actively engage Thailand, highlighting the strategic and longstanding alliance between Thailand and the United States as a pivotal aspect of the diplomatic effort. He expressed optimism that America's close partnership with Thailand could indeed render the desired results.

Send them to China and watch our tariffs rise on your products.

Should work nicely

[KhunLA]

1 hour ago, Tailwagsdog said:

Good on USA, a shining beacon for human rights around the world. Politically Persecuted Humans escaping Communist China or North Korea & others should be able to transit a friendly country like Thailand and seek refuge in a third country.

Maybe they should try entering the country legally ?  That's what the UNHCR is for.

 

I guess biden's appointed ambassador to TH, mr godec is pretty damn useless.  

 

How hard can it be to actually do your job, and  ring up Tammi Lynn Sharpe, and point out the obvious.

[Tropicalevo]

3 hours ago, Tailwagsdog said:

Good on USA, a shining beacon for human rights around the world. Politically Persecuted Humans escaping Communist China or North Korea & others should be able to transit a friendly country like Thailand and seek refuge in a third country.

You are correct of course, and I am sorry to burst your bubble, but the USA's influence here in Thailand diminishes daily.

China's is Thailand's best friend.

Anything that China wants from Thailand - it gets. Unless it's own needs overwrite that.

Marco Rubio's statement is just a publicity stunt following on from the orange buffoon’s claimed success in Gaza. (Now that is an even bigger joke.)

By the way, she/he/it does not have the job yet.

 

15 hours ago, webfact said:

highlighting the strategic and longstanding alliance between Thailand and the United States as a pivotal aspect of the diplomatic effort.

 

History.

[spidermike007]

Well if he's successful it would represent standing up to the CCP, and that represents standing up to moral bankruptcy, so that would be a good thing. The only time the Thai government is ever going to do the right thing is through shame, embarrassment or pressure from outside of the country. 

[John Drake]

8 hours ago, hotchilli said:

Send them to China and watch our tariffs rise on your products.

Should work nicely

 

I would think so. This situation has the added benefit of raising awareness of the degree of Thailand being compromised through its links to China.

[John Drake]

6 hours ago, Tropicalevo said:

You are correct of course, and I am sorry to burst your bubble, but the USA's influence here in Thailand diminishes daily.

China's is Thailand's best friend.

Anything that China wants from Thailand - it gets. Unless it's own needs overwrite that.

Marco Rubio's statement is just a publicity stunt following on from the orange buffoon’s claimed success in Gaza. (Now that is an even bigger joke.)

By the way, she/he/it does not have the job yet.

 

 

History.

 

It will remove the blinders from many people's eyes who make US policy in the region. Many of them still think of Thailand in friendly and favorable ways. A reality check needs to be followed up with sanctions and tariffs that at least match those the Thais apply to the US.

[sscc]

Does Thailand policy matter in global politics at the highest level ? 

The Fools might think so. 

 

The Big Picture : 

Marco Rubio stance on China and Donald Trump stance on China are at odds in virtually all aspects. 

Will Rubio have the final say or Trump have the final say ??? 

 

While China did not bother listening to Biden or Blinken in 2024,  it is rare that further to Xi and Trump telephone conversation on Jan 17, 2025, China thinks it has been a constructive phone dialogue between Trump and Xi and look forward to turning to a new Chapter in USA and China relation with Trump presidency..

 

[Will B Good]

 

 

Will he get a cushion to sit on at the Cabinet table?