China Leads Regional Effort to Combat Online Gaming

China is intensifying its collaborative efforts with Thailand, Myanmar, and other nations to combat cross-border crime and crack down on online gambling and telecom fraud.

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According to the Chinese foreign ministry, the recent surge in online gambling, telecom scams, and other heinous crimes along the Thailand-Myanmar border has jeopardized the safety and security of individuals in China, Thailand, and other affected nations while also straining regional relationships and cooperation.

The ministry noted that combating these crimes exemplifies China's people-centered approach, which prioritizes the well-being and safety of its citizens, as well as protects the shared interests of regional countries.

China is actively working with countries like Thailand and Myanmar to actively conduct bilateral and multilateral cooperation, adopt a series of policies, address symptoms and root causes of the issue, prevent lawbreakers from crossing borders to commit crimes, and end the scourge of online gambling and telecom fraud to protect the safety of people’s lives and property and keep the exchange and cooperation between regional countries in order.

Guo JiakunChinese foreign ministry spokesperson

Guo added that the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to work closely with relevant departments to provide guidance to overseas diplomatic missions on handling consular assistance cases, as well as ensuring the safety and protection of the legal rights of Chinese citizens abroad.

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China’s Anti-Gambling Crusade

For several years, China has been pushing regional authorities to step up efforts to dismantle and disrupt online gambling and other operations deemed fraudulent in the region.

Gambling is illegal in China and has been outlawed since the Communist Party took power in 1949. However, some countries neighboring the Red Dragon have started changing their stance towards the activity. For instance, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar have all begun to develop casino industries, catering largely to Chinese tourists.

Additionally, Thailand recently introduced a bill to introduce gambling in its jurisdiction. The legislation aims to establish purpose-built tourism hubs featuring casinos, which the government anticipates would lead to increased revenue and job opportunities.

The Thai government’s proposal has, expectedly, drawn criticism from Chinese authorities, with President Xi Jinping raising concerns over potential social risks.

These shifts in policy have created new challenges for China as it seeks to enforce its anti-gambling laws and prevent its citizens from engaging in illegal gaming activities at home and abroad.

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