Wang Yi calls for stronger cooperation to combat cross-border crime

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi Photo: mfa.gov.cn

Chinese observers on Sunday praised the significance of a proposal by top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi, who underscored the urgent need for enhanced regional cooperation to combat the growing threat of cross-border crime, including online gambling and telecom fraud, at a recent informal meeting with the foreign ministers of Laos, Myanmar and Thailand in Chiang Mai. Experts said Wang's proposal embodies pragmatic cooperation in the region, with China's initiatives and leadership playing a crucial role.

According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry's website, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang stressed the importance of security as a fundamental prerequisite for national development during the meeting on Friday.

Wang said the four countries have conducted a series of joint operations against cross-border crime, resulting in the arrest of over 50,000 people involved in gambling and fraud activities since last year.

He called for strengthened border controls, securing national borders and controlling key entry points to prevent illegal border crossings. Wang also called for improved information sharing, continuous joint operations and rapid action to arrest and repatriate criminals who have fled across borders.

A lasting and stable regional environment depends on the sustained handling of specific problems by the countries involved. By tackling cross-border crimes, consensus is reached, common interests are pooled and a habit of cooperation is developed. This in turn fosters a sense of community among these countries and enables them to maintain long-term stability and sustainable development through joint efforts and a shared community mentality, Li Haidong, a professor at China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times on Sunday.

Therefore, China's initiatives and leadership are not only pragmatic but also strategically aligned with the long-term goal, Li noted.

The ninth Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Foreign Ministers' Meeting was also held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, on Friday. After the meeting, the heads of delegations of the six Lancang-Mekong countries issued a joint statement emphasizing the joint fight against cross-border crime, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Chinese observers point out that cross-border crime not only damages the international image of the region and the countries concerned, but also disrupts the development environment inside and outside the region.

China's initiative is in line with the practical needs and long-term interests of these countries, so it is crucial that all parties join forces to address this urgent issue, they said, pointing out that this reflects the significant impact that the impact of problems such as drug trafficking and smuggling from the region has on both the region and the world, Chinese observers said.

Solving these problems requires international cooperation, which is why China's proposal is timely and necessary as it aims to protect the aspirations of all countries for stability, prosperity and development, observers said.