China And Myanmar Combine Efforts To Fight Online Gambling And Fraud

Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged Myanmar to strengthen enforcement against online gambling, telecom fraud and other cross-border crimes during talks with Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing in Beijing.

The meeting took place on 16 June during Min Aung Hlaing’s five-day state visit to China, his first since assuming the presidency in April. Both governments used the visit to reaffirm cooperation on security, border stability, law enforcement and economic development.

According to Chinese state media, Xi said China views relations with Myanmar as a priority within its neighbourhood diplomacy. Beijing also supports Myanmar’s efforts to coordinate development and security.

China and Myanmar are “good neighbours and good partners”, Xi said, adding that both countries should improve solidarity and collaboration in the fast-changing global landscape.

Leaders Commit To Crackdown On Online Gambling Networks

Online gambling and telecom fraud formed a major part of the discussions, with concerns around criminal networks operating across Southeast Asia. 

Xi noted that China was ready to increase support for Myanmar’s post-earthquake reconstruction while maintaining pressure on illegal gambling, telecom fraud and drug trafficking operations. 

“China is ready to step up support for Myanmar’s post-earthquake reconstruction and implement more ‘small yet smart’ assistance projects,” Xi said. He added that the two countries must crack down on online gambling, telecom fraud, drug trafficking and other criminal activities to protect their peoples.

The Chinese president also called for stronger security coordination as part of wider bilateral cooperation covering political trust, economic projects and people-to-people exchanges. Min Aung Hlaing said Myanmar would keep working with China to target cross-border crime.

“Myanmar is willing to work closely with China to resolutely crack down on online gambling and telecom fraud and safeguard border security and stability,” he said.

He also vowed to protect Chinese enterprises and overseas personnel, while stating Myanmar’s compliance with the one-China principle.

Law Enforcement Cooperation Expands Across Border Regions

This latest move follows two years of increased law enforcement cooperation between China and Myanmar. Beijing warns that overseas gambling can expose Chinese citizens to fraud, money laundering, kidnapping, human trafficking and smuggling. 

To safeguard mainland Chinese citizens, the country has amended domestic laws to criminalise cross-border gambling. Authorities have also increased efforts to combat illegal online gambling operations across Asia.

After the talks, cooperation agreements were signed in the presence of both leaders around transportation and livelihood projects. Chinese state media also pointed out discussions about advancing the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor.

China’s Foreign Ministry said bilateral trade between China and Myanmar reached $19.4 billion in 2025, up 19.1% year-on-year. In February 2025, Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Ma Jia and Assistant Minister of Public Security Liu Zhongyi met Myanmar officials in Naypyidaw to discuss collaborating to fight online gambling, telecom fraud and human trafficking.

The Chinese Embassy in Myanmar released a statement on both sides working on combat telecom fraud, online gambling and human trafficking. Myanmar’s officials outlined the current plans in place and proposed building a regular cooperation mechanism between China and neighbouring countries.

Beijing praised Myanmar’s player protection efforts towards Chinese citizens, highlighting the negative effects of online gambling and telecom fraud on public safety and financial security.

Myanmar-Linked Criminal Cases Reinforce Regional Enforcement

China’s campaign against cross-border gambling networks gained further momentum in September 2025. 21 members of a criminal organisation were arraigned for a first-instance trial in a Shenzhen court on charges of operating casinos, fraud centres and kidnapping operations in northern Myanmar.

The defendants, led by Bay Saw Chain and Bay Yin Chin, faced charges including fraud, intentional homicide, kidnapping, extortion, operating casinos, organising prostitution, illegal detention and drug offences.

Prosecutors said the group developed 41 compounds in Myanmar’s Kokang region from August 2009 till date. According to authorities, the sites were used for illegal businesses and protected by armed guards linked to the organisation. Gambling and fraud-related funds allegedly exceeded 20 billion yuan ($2.8 billion).

The operations also involved telecom fraud, forced prostitution and illegal border crossings. At least six Chinese nationals were reported killed, while several others were injured. Chinese officials said the case demonstrated the scale of organised criminal activity across their borders.

The Beijing meeting shows that online gambling and telecom fraud are key topics on the China-Myanmar security cooperation list. China’s priority is protecting citizens from cross-border criminal networks, while Myanmar seeks stronger border security support and economic ties.

Min Aung Hlaing visited China for five days, the first time since assuming office in April. During this trip, a meeting was held between the presidents of China and Myanmar on June 16 to discuss partnering to combat online gambling and telecom fraud. Therefore, both countries can curb illegal gambling activity across their borders.