China, Myanmar, Thailand Unite Against Telecom Fraud in Myanmar

Officials from China, Myanmar, and Thailand convened in Kunming, China, to form a united front against online scams, gambling, and telecommunications fraud that have proliferated in Myanmar. This agreement, reached during a meeting also attended by representatives from Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, aims to dismantle fraud networks and rescue individuals trapped in these schemes. Since 2023, Myanmar has deported over 53,000 Chinese nationals involved in online fraud, highlighting the scope of the issue, which is exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Myanmar. The joint operation reflects a growing regional effort to combat these criminal activities, with law enforcement from the six countries previously cracking down on over 160 fraud cases and apprehending more than 70,000 suspects. The meeting illustrates a significant commitment among Southeast Asian nations to collaborate against organized crime. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the urgency of addressing these challenges during discussions with regional diplomats.