In a strategic effort to address growing regional security concerns, China has pledged to deepen cooperation with the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to combat the rise in online gambling and telecom fraud. This commitment was made by China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a significant meeting with ambassadors from the 10 ASEAN countries on Thursday, January 16, in Beijing.

Mounting concerns over cross-border fraud:

Recent incidents along the Myanmar-Thailand border have heightened alarm over online gambling and telecom fraud. As China Daily reports, these crimes have not only harmed the citizens of China but also impacted neighboring countries, underscoring the urgent need for regional cooperation. The region has witnessed a disturbing trend of individuals being lured into scams, with many victims unknowingly drawn into fraudulent schemes promising lucrative employment opportunities abroad.

According to the Bangkok Post, Wang Yi emphasized that these criminal activities represent a grave threat to public safety and economic well-being, calling on ASEAN nations to take stronger measures to protect their citizens from such illegal enterprises. “We must ensure that those responsible for these heinous crimes are held accountable,” Wang said, underscoring the need for a unified regional response to prevent further exploitation.

The Chinese Foreign Minister’s remarks also highlighted China’s willingness to bolster both bilateral and multilateral law enforcement partnerships with ASEAN countries. This collaboration aims to enhance security measures and provide a safer environment for people-to-people exchanges, which have become increasingly important in the post-pandemic era.

In particular, China has proposed working closely with ASEAN member states to dismantle the complex networks of fraudsters that operate across borders, often targeting vulnerable individuals seeking work or travel opportunities abroad. By strengthening law enforcement cooperation, both China and ASEAN aim to ensure that the region remains a secure place for economic and social interactions, free from the threat of such scams.

China’s commitment to tackling online gambling and telecom fraud also extends to rescuing those who have fallen victim to these crimes. In recent months, a number of Chinese nationals have been deceived into traveling to Southeast Asia, only to find themselves trapped in fraud dens, forced to work for criminal organizations.

The Chinese Ministry of Public Security has been working tirelessly to locate and rescue individuals who have been coerced or abducted. A statement issued by the Ministry revealed that they are coordinating efforts with Chinese embassies and consulates to provide assistance to those who have gone missing or are in danger due to fraud-related activities.

In July 2023, the Ministry launched a nationwide operation to combat telecom fraud networks, leading to the dismantling of several large scam operations in northern Myanmar. This campaign, which was carried out in collaboration with Myanmar’s law enforcement agencies, resulted in the arrest of thousands of suspects, including over 53,000 Chinese nationals who were believed to be complicit in various fraudulent activities.

Despite the successes of these efforts, many fraud operations have simply relocated to other regions, such as Myawaddy, Wan Hai, and Tangyan in Myanmar, further complicating efforts to eradicate them. Chinese authorities have reported that these criminal groups have become more aggressive in luring Chinese citizens by offering false promises of free travel or high-paying jobs abroad. Once victims are deceived, they are often subjected to forced labor or other illegal activities.

Recent high-profile case highlights urgency:

The urgency of addressing this issue was made particularly clear by a high-profile case involving Chinese actor Wang Xing. The actor, who went missing in early January, was later found in Myanmar after being abducted and trafficked. Thai police suggested that Wang was a victim of human trafficking, which raised alarms about the risks faced by Chinese citizens traveling in the region.

This case brought additional attention to the dangers posed by fraudulent networks operating along the Myanmar-Thailand border. Chinese officials have urged the public to remain vigilant and cautious when receiving offers that seem too good to be true, particularly those involving overseas employment or tourism opportunities. They have also advised individuals to immediately report any suspected cases of missing persons to the authorities, ensuring that prompt action can be taken to safeguard victims.

For its part, ASEAN has also recognized the severity of these issues and is working to address the growing concerns related to fraud and human trafficking. In response to China’s concerns, Thailand has accelerated efforts to resolve the ongoing challenges related to its image as a safe tourism destination. The Thai government has taken proactive steps to improve its security measures and collaborate more effectively with China on the issue of cross-border crime.

Over the past year, Thailand has played a critical role in facilitating the return of Chinese nationals who were trapped in scam centers in Myawaddy. In 2023, Myanmar also assisted in repatriating over 31,000 telecom fraud suspects to China, signaling a strong commitment to international cooperation in law enforcement.

Despite these efforts, the growing complexity of cross-border criminal networks demands continued vigilance and closer collaboration between China and ASEAN member states. By intensifying law enforcement cooperation and sharing intelligence, both parties hope to curb the spread of telecom fraud and human trafficking, ensuring that the region remains safe for all its citizens.