Chinese top diplomat Wang Yi has urged Cambodia to “totally eradicate” the proliferation of online scam centers within its borders during a high-profile meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet in Phnom Penh.
The request highlights an intensifying effort to dismantle a lucrative cybercrime industry that has increasingly tarnished Cambodia’s international reputation. Over recent years, the country has emerged as a major hub for illicit activities, where perpetrators—often acting under severe coercion—target victims globally through sophisticated investment scams, cryptocurrency fraud, and deceptive romance schemes.
The urgency of China’s request stems from the fact that many of the perpetrators and victims originate from its own population. While Cambodia faced criticism for years for largely ignoring the burgeoning criminal enterprise, the government is now under significant pressure from Beijing and other international partners to take decisive action against an industry estimated to be worth billions of euros.
Addressing the Cambodian leadership, Wang Yi emphasized the broader consequences of these operations. “The cross-border criminal activities related to gambling and scams compromise the safety of people and their assets,” Wang Yi stated, according to a release from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, adding, “It is necessary to fight them firmly and eradicate them completely.”
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The diplomatic exchange underscored the “truly unshakeable” friendship between the two nations, characterized by deep commercial, military, and diplomatic ties. Recognizing that China remains Cambodia’s most significant trading partner, the government in Phnom Penh has signaled a willingness to comply.
In February, Prime Minister Hun Manet publicly pledged to “clean it all up,” a promise recently bolstered by the government’s approval of a new legislative project intended to impose severe penalties on those participating in cybercrime. Beyond the crackdown on scams, the discussions also covered a wide array of topics including defense, trade, and infrastructure investment.
During the visit, the Chinese delegation also turned its attention to regional stability, specifically the ongoing tensions between Cambodia and Thailand. Wang Yi expressed China’s support for normalizing bilateral relations following the deadly border confrontations that occurred in 2025.
He offered that China “is willing to provide a platform for more comprehensive and effective communication between the two countries” and is prepared to offer humanitarian aid to help relocate populations living in disputed border zones. While a ceasefire has been in place since December 27, the situation remains precarious, with both nations frequently trading accusations of truce violations.
