China and the Philippines are collaborating to fight illegal offshore gambling operations. This cooperation aims to enforce laws and improve bilateral relations.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
China assists the Philippines in shutting down three illegal gambling zones and sends almost 400 Chinese nationals back home.
Both nations call for stronger action to root out crimes connected to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
The partnership aims to protect the law and improve relations between the two countries.
China Joins Hands with Philippines to Battle Illegal Offshore Gambling
China has said it’s ready to go all in with the Philippines to put an end to illegal offshore gambling activities. The Chinese Embassy in Manila made this clear, stressing how such crimes are bad news for both countries.
A Joint Effort to Uphold the Law
The Chinese Embassy in Manila announced that China is fully committed to working with the Philippines to tackle the issue of illegal offshore gambling. The embassy revealed that these collaborative efforts have already led to the closure of three unlawful gambling zones in the Philippines and the repatriation of close to 400 Chinese nationals.
“Online gambling-related crimes harm not just China or the bilateral relationship between the two nations, but also impact the Philippines negatively,” said the embassy in an official statement. They also noted that some employees involved in illegal offshore gaming had been exploiting Philippine legal systems to evade repatriation.
A Call for Stronger Measures
China has urged the Philippines to enforce stringent measures against illegal activities linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). “We call upon the Philippines to eradicate these social issues comprehensively,” the embassy stated.Â
Both countries will continue to engage in dialogue and cooperation to deal with repatriation and other related matters. “We are committed to strengthening communication with Philippine government bodies and law enforcement agencies,” the embassy added.Â
Legal Stance and Ongoing Cooperation
According to Chinese laws, any form of gambling by its citizens, whether online or overseas, is considered illegal. Nevertheless, in recent years, Chinese and Philippine law enforcement agencies have been coordinating closely. They have successfully carried out operations against cross-border gambling and online fraud, achieving noticeable results.
The Chinese Embassy in Manila emphasized that it has been actively protecting the legal rights and interests of Chinese nationals involved in these crackdowns. “Both sides are content with the law enforcement cooperation so far,” the embassy concluded.
Illegal offshore gambling operations have seen a surge in the Philippines since 2016, capitalizing on the country’s liberal gambling laws to target Chinese customers, where gambling is prohibited.
Outlook on Safe Gambling
While both countries are focused on stopping illegal gambling, it’s important to remember that not all gambling is bad. There are legal and safe online casinos. It’s really important for people who want to play to pick these safe spots for a worry-free game.
Marilyn Walters
Marilyn Walters is a seasoned news journalist with over two years of experience in the field. Known for her investigative reporting and insightful analysis, Marilyn has covered significant global events with an objective lens. Her relentless pursuit of truth and dedication to journalistic integrity have established her as a respected voice in today's dynamic news landscape.
