The Mekong Region has recently become a hotspot for telecom fraud activities and an area where countries in the region have come together in search of solutions to a common security problem. Fraudulent activities in the region are carried out by cross-border criminal networks and often target Chinese citizens. Chinese citizens have recently been in great distress after falling into the trap of telecom fraud. In response to the increasing number of cases, China has taken steps to increase cooperation with both the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Mekong countries of Myanmar, Thailand and Cambodia.
Illegal centers operating in Myanmar and Thailand have engaged in numerous fraud attempts targeting Chinese citizens.[1] Judging from recent statements by senior officials, this issue is a major dispute for China and its neighboring countries, causing both economic and social problems. In this context, China aims to develop a comprehensive strategy to combat this problem, especially by strengthening cooperation with ASEAN countries. On 16 January 2025, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the need to develop a common approach against telecom fraud with ASEAN countries.[2] China’s aim in this call is to neutralize cross-border fraud hubs and increase international cooperation. In this context, discussions with countries such as Thailand and Myanmar are particularly important. Within the framework of this cooperation with ASEAN countries, identifying fraud centers and stopping the activities of these centers were among the priority objectives.
Illegal centers in border areas in Myanmar and Thailand are known to carry out fraudulent activities targeting Chinese citizens. Myanmar has been one of the main countries of focus for China as it is the center of telecom fraud. Through economic incentives and diplomatic means, China has encouraged the Myanmar government to take more decisive steps against fraudulent activities. The military junta in Myanmar has stepped up its operations against fraud networks as a result of China’s demands.[3] As a result of China’s calls, the Myanmar Government has conducted several operations targeting fraudulent activities and deported more than 50,000 fraud center employees.[4] These operations show that Myanmar is acting in concert not only with China but also with regional security cooperation mechanisms. Neutralizing such centers is an important step for regional security.
In this process, China has managed to win the support of these countries not only through diplomatic means but also through economic aid. In this respect, the technology and infrastructure support provided to Thailand and Myanmar has provided a significant advantage in the fight against fraud. Similarly, Thailand’s establishment of a coordination center with China against telecom fraud is a concrete example of regional cooperation. This center provided an important platform to monitor fraudulent activities, enhance data sharing and facilitate joint operations. Accordingly, operations in Thailand have been successful in identifying call centers targeting Chinese citizens. Thailand’s joint operations with China have also been effective in shutting down illegal fraud centers. China has enhanced the success of these operations by providing technical assistance and training to Thailand. In this context, it can be said that the Thai Government has once again emphasized the importance of regional security cooperation by responding positively to Chinese requests.
Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam have also joined efforts to prevent fraud in the Mekong region. These countries have conducted joint operations with China to enhance border security, detect illegal call centers and disrupt criminal networks in the region. Cambodia, in particular, has benefited from technical assistance from China to prevent fraudulent activity. Vietnam, on the other hand, plays an active role in this fight, both diplomatically and through legal arrangements. China’s joint work with Vietnam is another example of strengthening regional cooperation on telecom fraud.
China aims to prevent fraudulent call and message traffic more effectively by increasing the use of technology to combat cross-border fraud. In particular, the success and effectiveness of the fight against fraud networks operating in countries such as Thailand and Myanmar has been increased by cooperating with the governments of these countries.[5] In this context, China has remained in close contact with military and civilian authorities to neutralize illegal groups operating along the border with Myanmar and Thailand.[6]
China’s leadership role in combating telecom fraud in the Mekong region is critical to ensuring regional security. Joint efforts with Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Laos, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam have led to significant successes in neutralizing fraud hubs. China’s solutions to this problem through technological innovations, diplomatic initiatives and economic assistance can set an example for other countries. The Mekong countries’ cooperation with China on this issue provides an important model for regional and global security. Likewise, China’s calls to the international community have raised awareness in the fight against telecom fraud. In particular, the fact that ASEAN countries, as well as other major actors such as the United States of America (USA), have been invited to cooperate on this issue and conduct joint operations is noteworthy in terms of the seriousness of the fight.[7]
In conclusion, China’s fight against telecom fraud with ASEAN countries is an important step in terms of regional security. The operations in Myanmar and the coordination center established with Thailand show how serious these efforts are. China’s model for solving this problem through technological innovations, diplomatic initiatives and economic assistance can set an example for other countries. The invitation to other countries to cooperate on this issue reflects China’s efforts to create an international model for the fight against fraud and for people, especially Chinese citizens, who are victimized by such preventable crimes. However, fully preventing such crimes and ensuring regional security in this regard will depend on long-term and sustainable cooperation.
[1] O’Grady, V., “China, Myanmar and Thailand pledge to Combat Fraud Centres”, Developing Telecoms, https://developingtelecoms.com/telecom-business/telecom-regulation/17887-china-myanmar-and-thailand-pledge-to-combat-fraud-centres.html, (Access Date: 28.01.2025).
[2] “Wang Yi: China to crack down on telecom fraud with ASEAN countries”, CGTN, https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-01-16/Wang-Yi-China-to-crack-down-on-telecom-fraud-with-ASEAN-countries-1AdsBvwerbW/p.html, (Access Date: 28.01.2025).
[3] “Myanmar Junta’s No.2 meets Thai military as Chinese pressure rises on border scams”, The Irrawaddy,https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-juntas-no-2-meets-thai-military-as-chinese-pressure-rises-on-border-scams.html, (Access Date: 28.01.2025).
[4] “China, Myanmar, and Thailand unite to Dismantle Telecom Fraud Centers”, Telecom Review, https://telecomreviewasia.com/news/policy-news/4804-china-myanmar-and-thailand-unite-to-dismantle-telecom-fraud-centers/, (Access Date: 28.01.2025).
[5] “China urges ASEAN states to fight cross-border crimes in show of new urgency”, Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/china-vows-reunite-scam-victims-with-families-crack-down-cross-border-criminal-2025-01-16/, (Access Date: 28.01.2025).
[6] Wang, Q. & Zhao, J., “Telecom fraud fight intensified”, China Daily, https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202501/17/WS67899bbca310f1265a1db5fe.html, (Access Date: 28.01.2025).
[7] “China, U.S. work together on telecom fraud case, recovering 1.7 million USD”, Xinhua, https://english.news.cn/20241107/a5fa3c986a9d4a0d852be6063dfdb080/c.html, (Access Date: 28.01.2025).
