Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun

In response to a question about how the situation of Chinese nationals being trapped in scam compounds in Cambodia has affected bilateral relations and what measures China expects Cambodia to take, as well as an inquiry to confirm the reports that many Chinese citizens who escaped such compounds were seen lining up outside the Chinese Embassy in Cambodia, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that the Chinese government attaches great importance to the safety of Chinese citizens overseas. 

He noted that China and Cambodia have been working closely for some time to combat cross-border telecom and online fraud, achieving remarkable results. Guo added that the Chinese Embassy in Cambodia is maintaining communication and coordination with the Cambodian side and is carrying out relevant work.

The Chinese Embassy in Cambodia has urged Cambodian authorities to strengthen protection for Chinese nationals following multiple cases in which Chinese citizens went missing or lost contact in the country, the embassy said on Saturday. 

According to a statement released by the embassy on its WeChat account, Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin recently held separate meetings with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sar Sokha, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn.
 
Wang said that multiple cases involving Chinese nationals going missing or losing contact have recently occurred in Cambodia, which China views with serious concern. 

Most of the serious cases in Cambodia involving Chinese nationals are closely linked to online scams. The frequent occurrence of such incidents, Wang said, is inconsistent with the traditional friendship between China and Cambodia and poses a serious obstacle to deepening mutually beneficial cooperation. 

China attaches great importance to protecting the safety and legitimate rights and interests of its citizens in Cambodia, Wang said, urging Cambodian authorities to take effective measures to crack down on crimes such as illegal detention, violent assaults, and online fraud targeting Chinese nationals, improve rescue efficiency, and ensure their safety in the country. 

The Cambodian side said the Cambodian government will take strong measures to crack down on online scams and crimes targeting Chinese nationals, effectively ensuring their safety in Cambodia. 

Global Times