Challenges and Future Development of China's Refugee Status Determination System

Abstract

Currently, China is not only a source country for refugees but also a host country for them. Historically, China has experienced three large-scale influxes of refugees. Today, hundreds of refugees reside in Chinese cities each year. However, significant issues remain within China's refugee status determination (RSD) system. Presently, China lacks a clear definition of refugees and has not established its own RSD system. The process handled by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in China has led to several urgent issues that need resolution. As China increasingly engages in international refugee affairs, it is advisable to clearly define refugees and related concepts, transition the RSD work from UNHCR to the National Immigration Administration of China, and establish specific procedures for RSD. Additionally, the conditions for RSD, namely the grounds for persecution, should be interpreted in a manner localized to Chinese circumstances. An appeals mechanism should also be clearly established. Through these changes, China can effectively manage refugees domestically, enhance its international standing in global refugee issues, better fulfill its international responsibilities, and contribute to addressing the global refugee crisis.