China Foreign Minister Urges Total Elimination of Cambodia Scam Centers

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called for the complete eradication of scam centers in Cambodia during a meeting with Prime Minister Hun Manet in Phnom Penh, according to a statement from Beijing’s foreign ministry.

The call came amid growing international concern over Cambodia’s role as a hub for online scam operations, which rights monitors say involve tens of thousands of people — some participating willingly and others trafficked — in a multibillion-dollar illicit industry.

Wang Yi emphasized that cross-border gambling and fraud endanger the lives and property of people and must be resolutely cracked down on and completely eradicated. He was accompanied by China’s Defence Minister Dong Jun during the talks.

Both officials underscored the “unbreakable bond” between China and Cambodia, highlighting their close trade, diplomatic and military ties.

Cambodian authorities have acknowledged the problem, with Prime Minister Hun Manet previously stating in February that scam centers were damaging the country’s economy and reputation, and vowing to “clean this out.”

Despite pressure from several countries including China, Cambodian officials say they are intensifying efforts to combat the scam industry, which has drawn scrutiny for enabling cybercrime and human trafficking networks.

China has also pledged further cooperation to support Cambodia’s crackdown on technology-based fraud, with the Chinese ambassador conveying Beijing’s backing during a separate meeting with senior officials leading the Ad Hoc Commission to Combat Online Scams.

The commission, established by the Cambodian government, aims to strengthen national coordination in eliminating online fraud, with reports indicating over 1,000 suspects — mostly foreign nationals — have been arrested in recent operations.

International organisations such as the UN Office on Drugs and Crime have documented the widespread presence of online fraud in Cambodia, reinforcing calls for sustained regional action to dismantle the criminal enterprises operating across borders.