"China's position on cross-border gambling is consistent and clear," Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian (pictured) told a regular press briefing in Beijing on Monday.
Responding to a reporter's question about a message sent by the Chinese embassy in Singapore the same day, Mr Lin warned Chinese citizens to "stay away from gambling" because China is a city-state that is legally sanctioning the casino industry.
The embassy's Chinese message translated, "Even if casino facilities are legally installed outside the borders of mainland China, citizens may violate our country's laws against cross-border gambling, especially participating in gambling organizations." Such actions may result in legal liability
"What does it say for Chinese citizens to violate domestic laws on gambling when they are in other countries?" a media representative asked on Monday, according to an official English transcript from China's foreign ministry.
"China's position on cross-border gambling is consistent and clear," Mr. Lin said
"China does not allow Chinese capital to be invested in casinos abroad, it does not allow Chinese people to engage in casino operations abroad, nor does it allow casinos abroad to lure Chinese into gambling," he added
He also noted that "China is willing to continue to advance cooperation with the parties concerned, strengthen the fight against cross-border crime, and protect social stability and order in the region and the lives and property of the people."
A ministry official added, "For specific questions, we will refer to relevant legal provisions or competent authorities."
China's revised criminal law makes it illegal for mainland Chinese citizens to organize gambling abroad. It has been in effect since March 1, 2021.
During Monday's briefing, Lin noted that China's reference to Lanchang-Mekong partners - namely China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand - "worked together to combat online gambling, telecommunications fraud and other cross-border crimes, which effectively protected the region's security."
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