On February 22, over 40 Chinese nationals engaged in offshore gambling in the Philippines have been repatriated with joint efforts between the Chinese and Philippine law enforcement agencies, a follow-up action to the repatriation last December.

Multiple joint law enforcement operations have been carried out by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and other agencies since 2023. As a result, numbers of suspects of illegal offshore gambling activities have been under arrest. At the request of the Philippine side and with active assistance by the Chinese Embassy to the Philippines, successive repatriations have been completed.

Gambling in any of its forms is considered illegal in China, and the Chinese Government opposes Chinese nationals engaging in gambling business abroad. The Chinese Embassy will maintain communication with the Philippine side on offence associated with gambling, work to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens, support law enforcement cooperation between the two countries and support the Philippine side in addressing the root causes of problems related to offshore gambling industry.