China expressed appreciation on Friday for the strong steps taken by Thailand and Myanmar to dismantle scam gangs and protect the life and property of citizens from China and other countries, while pledging to safeguard the safety and well-being of its overseas citizens.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun made the remarks after the first group of 200 Chinese citizens suspected of involvement in fraud returned to China from Myanmar through Thailand.

Guo noted that more suspects would be repatriated in batches.

He stressed that online gambling and scams are harmful and will be punished by law.

From the rescue of Chinese citizens from scam centers to the swift and sharp joint operation with Thailand and Myanmar, China has always been firmly resolved in working with other countries to combat cross-border online gambling and scams, and protect the lives and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens, he said.

The Foreign Ministry and its diplomatic missions will continue to strengthen consular protection and assistance to safeguard the safety and well-being of overseas Chinese citizens, he added.

In addition, he said that Beijing hopes Manila will thoroughly resolve offshore gaming-related issues at an early date and will work with the country to crack down on crimes.

The Philippine police arrested more than 450 people in a raid on an allegedly Chinese-run offshore gaming operator in Manila, the country’s anti-organized crime commission has said.

The Chinese government is committed to sternly combating gambling and related crimes, and always requires its overseas citizens to strictly abide by local laws and regulations, and stay away from illegal or criminal activities, he said.

Guo urged the Philippines to conduct law enforcement activities in accordance with the law and take concrete measures to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens in the country.