In a rare move, China has praised the administration of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his recent decision to ban Chinese-operated online gambling activities in the country. President Marcos cited various criminal activities associated with these operations, including financial scams, human trafficking, kidnappings, torture, and murder.
Relations between China and the Philippines have been strained under Marcos's leadership, particularly due to increased U.S. military presence in the Philippines and ongoing tensions in the disputed South China Sea. The Philippine government's efforts to expose China's actions in the region have further escalated tensions between the two nations.
President Marcos's ban on all Chinese-run online gambling establishments, numbering over 400 in the Philippines and employing thousands of Chinese and Southeast Asian workers, was met with approval from the Chinese Embassy in Manila. The embassy stated that the decision aligns with the interests of both countries and expressed readiness to enhance law enforcement cooperation with the Philippines.
China emphasized its own prohibition on gambling activities and highlighted its crackdown on Chinese nationals involved in overseas gambling, including Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO). The Chinese Embassy condemned POGO operations for fostering serious crimes that harm both Filipino and Chinese citizens.
The Philippine government's crackdown on illegal gambling led to the closure of numerous establishments where foreign nationals were reportedly exploited and subjected to harsh conditions. President Marcos emphasized the need to halt these illicit activities that extend beyond gaming into areas such as financial fraud, human trafficking, and violence.
President Marcos issued a directive to shut down all online gambling operations, whether licensed or underground, by the end of the year. The government aims to assist displaced Filipino workers in finding alternative employment opportunities.
Despite historical tensions, the Philippines maintains a complex relationship with China, involving trade partnerships and joint efforts against criminal activities. President Marcos has diverged from his predecessor's pro-China stance, opting to strengthen defense ties with the U.S. and other allies, despite warnings from China.
