China and Myanmar have recently held discussions to strengthen law enforcement and security cooperation, committed to combating cross-border criminal activities, particularly online gambling and telecommunications fraud, ensuring regional security and stability.
February 19, 2025, Beijing—China and Myanmar recently held an important meeting focused on enhancing cooperation in law enforcement and security to address the increasingly serious issue of transnational illegal activities, especially online gambling and telecommunications fraud. According to a statement from the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar, the meeting aimed to establish a regular mechanism for more effectively combating these cross-border criminal activities.
During the talks, Myanmar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Wunna Maung Lwin, along with Interior Minister Lieutenant General Soe Htut, outlined to Chinese officials Ambassador Ma Jia and Vice Minister of Public Security Liu Zhongyi the specific measures taken by the Myanmar government to combat online gambling and telecommunications fraud. The Myanmar government reiterated its strong commitment to enhance coordination with China and other neighboring countries to promote bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
Chinese officials highly praised Myanmar’s commitment to protecting the safety of Chinese citizens and emphasized the severe threat posed by online gambling and telecommunications fraud to people’s lives and property. The statement pointed out that the Myawaddy area along the Myanmar-Thailand border is currently a key focus for combating online fraud and gambling activities. Both sides clearly stated their intention to work together and take effective measures to address these issues.
In addition, the Myanmar government stated that it would implement measures to rescue and repatriate Chinese citizens and improve information sharing regarding legal actions and the expulsion of foreigners illegally entering Myanmar. This series of measures indicates the strong willingness of both parties to collaborate closely in combating transnational crime.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated at a regular press conference that China is closely cooperating with Myanmar, Thailand, and other countries to adopt comprehensive measures to address the root causes of cybercrime. He noted that there has been a recent surge in incidents of online gambling and telecommunications fraud in the border area between Thailand and Myanmar, which not only endangers the lives and property of citizens from multiple countries, including China and Thailand, but also severely disrupts normal communication and cooperation in the region.
Guo Jiakun emphasized that resolutely combating these criminal activities is a necessary measure to protect the common interests of regional countries, reflecting the shared aspirations of the people. He called for relevant countries to strengthen cooperation and work together to tackle this transnational crime challenge.
According to the Bangkok Post, Liu Zhongyi visited Mae Sot in Thailand on Sunday and discussed the issue of Myanmar’s fraud networks with local authorities. Mae Sot, directly opposite Myawaddy, has become an important area for combating fraud activities. The Myanmar government recently transferred 261 victims rescued from the KK Park and Shwe Kokko fraud centers in Myawaddy to Thai authorities for repatriation. This action demonstrates the Myanmar government’s high regard for combating transnational crime.
Not long ago, Liu Zhongyi urged local authorities in Thailand to take decisive action against Myanmar’s fraud networks during his visit to the country. He pointed out that these fraud networks not only threaten the security of China and Thailand but also pose challenges to the stability of the entire region. To strengthen efforts against these activities, the Thai government began on February 5 to cut off electricity, internet services, and fuel supplies to five regions in Myanmar, including Myawaddy, as part of its crackdown on fraud activities.
The smooth conduct of the China-Myanmar talks marks a further deepening of cooperation between the two countries in combating transnational crime and is expected to positively contribute to maintaining regional security and stability.
