China Sends Ominous Warning Over Gambling Danger to Neighbors
Chinese officials have expressed a desire to cooperate with nearby countries to limit gambling, leading observers to wonder about the iron hand inside the glove. China says some of its citizens have been in danger due to lax regard for safety and border controls by Myanmar, formerly known as Burma.A spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Qin Gang, said there have been several incidents of Chinese citizens being kidnapped and ransomed after being lured into Myanmar by casinos and gambling.
"The foreign ministry has... required the Myanmar side to investigate into that case immediately and take measures to ensure the freedom and safety of Chinese citizens," stated Qin.
Qin said the government considered the gathering of its citizens at border casinos a problem, and hopes other countries will work with it to strengthen the border and control gambling.
"Between the words, China is sending Myanmar a warning," says international policy expert Gerard Morrison. "The Chinese are unhappy residents are crossing the border to escape the gambling ban, and they will do something if Myanmar doesn't."
"China also hopes that our citizens and people from neighboring countries will abide by laws and safeguard security and stability along border areas," Qin said. No mention of what may happen otherwise was made.
