Chinese top diplomat Wang Yi called for the complete eradication of fraud centers in Cambodia during a meeting with Prime Minister Hun Manet in Phnom Penh, according to Beijing’s foreign ministry.
Cambodia hosts dozens of fraud centers with tens of thousands of people committing online fraud — some willingly and others trafficked — in a multibillion-dollar illegal industry, rights monitors say.
But under pressure from several countries, including China, Cambodian authorities say they are cracking down on the industry.
“Cross-border gambling and fraud endanger people’s lives and property and must be resolutely cracked down on and completely eradicated,” Wang Hun told Manet, China’s foreign ministry said in a statement late Wednesday.
See also: Suspected fraud boss extradited from Cambodia to China
China and Cambodia maintain close trade, diplomatic and military ties. Wang, accompanied by Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun, also underlined the “unbreakable bond” of the two countries during the meeting.
Hun Manet told AFP in February that fraud centers were destroying his country’s economy and giving the nation a bad name, vowing to “clean this up”.
He wrote on social media late Wednesday that he, Wang and Dong had discussed promoting cooperation in politics, trade and investment, national defense and security, clean energy, transport infrastructure construction and agriculture.
Wang and Dong also met Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn and Defense Minister Tea Seiha on Wednesday.
The Chinese foreign minister said he supports initiatives aimed at normalizing relations between Cambodia and Thailand after deadly clashes last year along their shared border.
“China is willing to continue building more platforms for the resumption of direct exchanges and dialogue between Cambodia and Thailand,” Wang said.
While a ceasefire was agreed in December, the regional situation remains fragile, with Cambodia and Thailand accusing each other of violating the ceasefire.
