Chinese ambassador to Cambodia Wang Wenbin (left) meets with Koh Kong provincial governor Mithona Phuthong in Koh Kong on August 28. Chinese embassy
The Chinese embassy in Cambodia has pledged closer cooperation with the authorities in Koh Kong province to combat crimes committed by Chinese citizens in Cambodia.
The pledge was made during an August 28 meeting between Chinese ambassador Wang Wenbin and the provincial governor Mithona Phuthong in Koh Kong.
National Television of Cambodia (TVK) reported today August 30 that the embassy had suggested that the Koh Kong authorities should inform the embassy whenever criminal cases, such as human trafficking, drug trafficking and online scams, are linked to Chinese citizens.
“Should there be human, drug trafficking and online scamming, the Chinese embassy will join in efforts to crack down on these crimes without hesitation, whether at the national or sub-national level,” Wang was quoted as saying.
Wang visited Koh Kong province, where he presented motorcycles and office equipment to the Koh Kong provincial police.
“We keep a close eye on any offending by Chinese citizens in Cambodia. We will not allow them to commit any acts that affect the security and peace of Cambodia. In all situations, China will pursue comprehensive cooperation with Cambodia, sharing each other's happiness and pain, to build the community of a shared future,” he was quoted as saying.
Wang also took to social media to describe the meeting.
“Today I called on Koh Kong governor Mithona Phuthong and held fruitful discussions about our cooperation. Koh Kong is the third province I have visited. I am looking forward to visiting all 25 of the capital-provinces of Cambodia,” he said.
Pa Chanroeun, president of the Cambodian Institute for Democracy, cited a report from the Ministry of Interior which stated that most online scamming crimes in Cambodia are committed by Chinese citizens.
“It is a good thing that the Chinese embassy has expressed their willingness to cooperate with Cambodia to prevent and take action against crimes such as online scamming and kidnappings. These kinds of crimes are transnational, and cooperation with the relevant countries is paramount to ensuring that enforcement is effective,” he said.
