China Strengthens ASEAN Ties to Combat Online Gambling
China is set to increase its collaboration with ASEAN countries to tackle the growing issues of online gambling and telecom fraud. These efforts are particularly focused on the Myanmar-Thailand border, where these activities are most prevalent.

Regional Cooperation Against Online Gambling
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with ASEAN ambassadors in Beijing to discuss the rise in online gambling and telecom fraud.
These activities, especially prevalent along the Myanmar-Thailand border, have severely impacted the safety and assets of citizens in both China and ASEAN nations.
Wang stressed the need for involved countries to take responsibility and implement strong measures to protect their populations and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
Enhanced Law Enforcement Collaboration
China has expressed its commitment to strengthening both bilateral and multilateral law enforcement partnerships with ASEAN countries.
This enhanced cooperation aims to foster a secure environment for people-to-people exchanges and maintain stable regional collaboration.
The initiative is designed to address the increasing threats posed by online gambling and telecom fraud, which have become a significant concern for both China and its ASEAN neighbors.
China’s Strict Measures Against Gambling
This collaboration builds on China’s existing strict stance against cross-border gambling. In 2024, the Supreme People’s Court issued a directive calling for harsh penalties for gambling organizers and repeat offenders.
Courts can now impose fines of up to RMB800,000 ($109,000), and in extreme cases, life imprisonment.
These measures aim to combat various issues, including domestic fund outflows, money laundering, fraud, kidnapping, and extortion linked to overseas casinos and online gambling operations targeting Chinese citizens.