China has announced its intention to enhance cooperation with ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries in combating online gambling and telecommunications fraud. This announcement was made following a meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and ASEAN ambassadors in Beijing.

Wang Yi emphasized the increase in serious cases of online gambling and telecommunications fraud, particularly along the Myanmar-Thailand border. These issues pose a threat to the safety and property of citizens from both China and ASEAN countries.

The minister called on the involved nations to take responsibility, implement effective measures to protect their populations, and ensure the punishment of the perpetrators.

During the discussion, China expressed its readiness to strengthen both bilateral and multilateral law enforcement collaboration with ASEAN countries, with the goal of creating a secure environment for people-to-people exchanges and maintaining stable regional cooperation.

This collaboration is based on China’s firm policy against transnational gambling, as evidenced by the 2024 directive from the Supreme People’s Court of China, which calls for severe penalties for gambling organizers and repeat offenders.

Under this directive, courts now have the authority to impose fines of up to 800,000 yuan ($109,000), and in extreme cases, life imprisonment.

These measures aim to address several issues, including domestic fund outflows, money laundering, fraud, kidnapping, and extortion linked to overseas casinos and online gambling operations targeting Chinese citizens.

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