China Foreign Minister Urges Total Elimination of Cambodia Scam Centres
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called for the complete eradication of scam centres operating in Cambodia, demanding immediate action to dismantle these criminal networks. Speaking during a bilateral meeting with Cambodian officials in Phnom Penh, Wang emphasized that these operations, which primarily target Chinese nationals, constitute a serious threat to regional security and bilateral relations. He urged Cambodian authorities to strengthen law enforcement efforts and cooperate fully with Chinese authorities to eliminate these illicit enterprises.
The call comes amid growing concern over the proliferation of online fraud and human trafficking linked to these centres, which have been reported to exploit workers from across Southeast Asia. Wang Yi stated that China will not tolerate any activities that endanger the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad and that decisive measures are necessary to protect vulnerable populations from exploitation.
Cambodian officials have acknowledged the issue and pledged to intensify crackdowns on illegal operations within their territory. The Cambodian Ministry of Interior confirmed ongoing investigations into several suspected scam centres, noting that recent raids have led to the arrest of dozens of individuals involved in fraudulent schemes. However, challenges persist due to the transnational nature of these criminal networks and limited resources for monitoring remote areas where such centres often operate.
Regional analysts note that the scam centres have become a significant source of illicit revenue, with estimates suggesting they generate hundreds of millions of dollars annually. The operations frequently involve forced labor, where victims are lured under false pretenses of high-paying jobs and then coerced into conducting online scams targeting individuals in China and other countries.
China has previously engaged in diplomatic efforts with Cambodia to address transnational crime, including joint patrols and information-sharing mechanisms. Wang Yi reiterated Beijing’s commitment to supporting Cambodia’s capacity-building efforts in law enforcement, whereas stressing that sovereignty must be respected in all cooperative initiatives.
The issue remains a priority in China-Cambodia relations, with both sides agreeing to establish a dedicated working group to monitor progress and coordinate future actions. No specific timeline for the complete eradication of these centres has been provided, but officials from both countries have affirmed their commitment to sustained cooperation until the problem is resolved.