Q: According to the report of Philippine media, the Ministry of Public Security of China has canceled the passports of thousands of Chinese nationals working for the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs). What's your comment?

A: In order to crack down on cross-border telecommunication fraud crimes, the Ministry of Public Security of China has obtained a list of Chinese nationals suspected of committing long-term telecommunication fraud crimes abroad, who are classified as the persons prohibited from exiting China according to the Exit-Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China. Such operations are aimed at the suspects of Chinese nationals who have committed telecommunications fraud crimes in different countries.

The Chinese Government always requires Chinese citizens overseas to abide by local laws and regulations and not to work illegally in foreign countries. The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines has repeatedly issued consular reminders and has been keeping close communications with the Philippine government in this regard. The relevant departments of both countries also conducted a series of law enforcement cooperation. The Chinese side  would like to continue to work closely with the Philippines to combat such crimes as telecommuniations fraud, illegal online-gambling, money-laundering, illegal employment, kidnapping, extortion, torture, murder etc so as to effectively protect the legitimate rights and interests of nationals of the two countries, and to promote the China-Philippines friendship and cooperation.