China and the international refugee protection regime: Past, present, and potentials

Abstract

This article considers China's engagement in the international refugee protection regime. It examines China's experience with outgoing and incoming refugees, its accession to and implementation of the Refugee Convention and Protocol, and its interaction with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and other key actors in the international refugee protection regime. It finds that, despite China being a longtime source of refugees and an emerging destination and transit for refugees, it has not prioritised refugee protection. And even though it has consistently emphasised addressing root causes as a solution to refugee crisis, it sometimes failed to demonstrate a consistent readiness to honour the provisions and spirit of the Refugee Convention and Protocol. It submits that China's demonstrated emerging interest in refugee issues in recent years presents an opportunity for the international community to further the engagement and integration of China in the international refugee protection regime and that greater involvement in international cooperation in refugee protection is in China's interest. It recommends for the international community, especially international and regional organisations that have experience in working with China on refugee matters, to take the opportunity to further involve and integrate China.