Illustration: Chen Xia/GT

In today's globalized world, criminal activities have transcended national borders, particularly cross-border crimes such as telecom fraud and human trafficking. These crimes act like invisible, venomous snakes, silently eroding the social security and economic stability of nations. Faced with this global challenge, the power of any single country seems inadequate. Only through close international cooperation can an unbreakable defense be established.

On Monday, senior officials from China, Myanmar and Thailand arrived in Myawaddy, Myanmar, to form a joint task force and officially launch a fierce crackdown on telecom fraud and illegal online gambling operations. These actions not only demonstrate the Chinese government's strong determination to protect citizens' lives and property, effectively deterring criminals, but also send a clear message to the world: Regional security must be jointly maintained through cooperation.

The urgency of cracking down on telecom fraud is beyond question, and the deep public abhorrence of such fraud serves as a powerful driving force behind collaborative efforts. In recent years, cross-border telecom fraud techniques have continuously evolved, ranging from fake investments to emotional scams, with victims spanning various age groups and social classes. Many families have suffered significant financial losses, and have even experienced psychological distress. Telecom fraud has become a "social cancer" that is widely despised by the public. The joint actions of China, Myanmar and Thailand align with this public demand, demonstrating the region's consensus on safeguarding people's interests.

The determination and dynamism of the Chinese government in combating telecom fraud have long been fully evident. The complete dismantling of the notorious four major criminal syndicates operating in Myanmar's northern region has demonstrated China's firm resolve to protect the safety of its people.  

The cooperation between China, Myanmar and Thailand in combating telecom fraud has already yielded significant results. In the past three weeks, Myanmar has reviewed and detained 1,030 illegal entrants. The first batch of about 600 Chinese citizens trapped in the Myawaddy fraud hub will also return home on chartered flights.

Telecom fraud is characterized by its transnational, covert and highly organized nature, making it difficult to eradicate through the efforts of a single country. The joint action of China, Myanmar and Thailand has not only effectively curbed the audacity of criminal gangs but has also formed a collaborative force in combating crime through information sharing, joint law enforcement and coordinated repatriation mechanisms.

Success is not an accident. "The high efficiency of the joint actions between the three countries is the result of years of mutual trust and cooperation," said Ge Hongliang, vice dean of the ASEAN College at Guangxi Minzu University. This trust is reflected not only in coordinated actions but also in mutual respect and understanding of each other's legal systems and cultural backgrounds. 

Not only have China, Myanmar and Thailand been active in combating telecom fraud, but China has also been working closely with other Southeast Asian countries to enhance information sharing, joint law enforcement and capacity building, as well as establishing cooperative mechanisms and convening joint meetings, among other initiatives. Through jointly carrying out an operation from August to December last year, law-enforcement agencies from Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam cracked down on over 160 cases mainly involving telecommunication fraud, arrested over 70,000 criminal suspects and rescued more than 160 victims.

Telecom fraud is a common challenge facing China and Southeast Asian countries. The cooperative model between China, Myanmar and Thailand provides valuable insights for other Southeast Asian nations and offers useful lessons for global security governance. Only through broader cooperation and mutual trust can the challenge of cross-border crimes be effectively addressed, leading to the creation of a safer and more stable regional environment.