China and Cambodia Strengthen Cooperation Against Online Gambling, Scams

China and Cambodia have agreed to strengthen cooperation in combating cross-border crime, particularly online gambling and cyber scams. This commitment was announced during a meeting between Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, which took place on the sidelines of the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits in Laos. The details were later shared by Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia, Wang Wenbin.

Ambassador Wang emphasized that the collaboration between the two nations highlights their mutual interest in dismantling criminal networks that operate across their borders. “The two countries collaborate to crack down on cross-border crime, including cyber fraud and online gambling, to promote the building of a common destiny between China and Cambodia,” Wang stated during the October 11, 2024 press conference held at the Chinese embassy. He noted that in the first half of 2024 alone, more than 1,200 suspects involved in online gambling and cyber crimes were jointly repatriated.

The ongoing issues related to online fraud and illicit activities have become pressing concerns for both countries. Transnational criminal networks often exploit vulnerable individuals, luring them into forced labor or various scams, particularly those associated with online gambling. As a response, both nations have made substantial efforts to address these challenges.

Wang praised Cambodia for its proactive measures in tackling telecom fraud, particularly in the city of Sihanoukville. “We commend the Cambodian side for taking steps to crack down on this crime,” he said. He expressed hope that Cambodia would continue to play a significant role in future efforts to combat such crimes.

Cambodia has been particularly focused on these issues since early 2020 when the government halted the issuance of online gaming licenses and stopped renewing existing ones. This decision was part of a broader strategy to address the rising concerns surrounding online gambling and its associated criminal activities.

The partnership between China and Cambodia reflects a broader regional trend, where countries are increasingly working together to combat transnational crime. The agreement to enhance cooperation is seen as a vital step toward strengthening regional security. “The crackdown on transnational crime is not only an agreement between our two countries but also an agreement in our region,” Wang noted, indicating that other nations are also coming together to address these pressing issues.

Furthermore, Ambassador Wang pointed out that this collaboration is not just about repatriating criminals but is also about building a secure and cooperative environment in the region. “We believe that this cooperation will yield better results,” he asserted.

The continued partnership between China and Cambodia is also rooted in their shared goals for mutual development and stability. The two countries have historically enjoyed a close relationship, and their recent agreements are expected to deepen this connection further.

As both nations move forward with their plans, the focus will remain on enhancing the effectiveness of their joint efforts against cross-border crime. This includes ongoing support from China for Cambodia’s initiatives to combat illegal activities. Wang reiterated, “China will continue to support and assist Cambodia in cracking down on crime.”

The meeting between Premier Li Qiang and Prime Minister Hun Manet has paved the way for a more robust framework to tackle online gambling and cyber scams, which have emerged as significant challenges in recent years.

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