A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines said Thursday that Chinese citizens are “victims of offshore gambling” in response to a question about the arrest of a Chinese national believed to be linked to an illegal POGO.

In a statement issued on the embassy’s website, the spokesperson described gambling as a “social menace” and reiterated Beijing’s anti-gambling stance, noting that “gambling in any form” is illegal according to the law of China.

The question, posted on the embassy’s official website, cited the arrest by Philippine police of a Chinese citizen who was in possession of guns and contrabands and allegedly with links to offshore gaming.

“The Chinese Government opposes and cracks down on Chinese nationals engaging in the gambling business abroad in accordance with law,” the ambassador said.

“The Chinese Government always requires its citizens overseas to abide by local laws and regulations.

“Gambling is a social menace. Chinese people are victims of offshore gambling. The Chinese Embassy stays in communication with the Philippine law enforcement agencies on offences related to POGO, and supports the Philippine side in addressing the root causes of the problem arising from the offshore gambling industry.”

China has in recent years stepped up its efforts to crack down on offshore gambling and prevent its citizens from engaging in gambling overseas. On 22 February this year, China collaborated with the Philippine government to repatriate more than 40 Chinese nationals engaged in offshore betting in the Philippines.