Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun. Photo: VCG

The Chinese government is committed to cracking down on gambling and related crimes and consistently requires Chinese citizens abroad to strictly abide by local laws and regulations, refraining from engaging in illegal activities, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Friday in response to an inquiry about reports that Philippine police raided an offshore gambling operator in Manila on Thursday, arresting over 450 people, including 137 Chinese citizens. 

We urge the Philippine side to resolve the deep-rooted problem related to the offshore gambling industry at an early date, Guo said.

China is willing to cooperate with the Philippine side to combat criminal activities and also urges the Philippine side to enforce the law fairly and impartially to ensure the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens in the Philippines, said Guo.