China lobt den philippinischen Präsidenten selten für sein Verbot chinesischer Online-Glücksspielanbieter

SS: On July 25, 2024, China issued rare praise for Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decisive ban on Chinese-run online gambling operations, a move he justified by accusing them of crimes such as financial scams, human trafficking, and even murder. This unexpected compliment came amid strained relations, exacerbated by Marcos’s decision to expand U.S. military presence in the Philippines and his government’s efforts to expose China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea. The ban, targeting over 400 operations employing tens of thousands, has seen support from Beijing, which highlighted its own strict anti-gambling stance. The crackdown has led to the closure of several complexes, where foreign workers, mainly from Southeast Asia, were reportedly subjected to severe exploitation. Despite the monumental task of enforcing the ban, Marcos remains resolute, with his administration planning to wind down operations by year-end and seek alternative employment for displaced workers. While Marcos’s predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, maintained cozy ties with China, Marcos’s pivot towards strengthening defence ties with the U.S. reflects a strategic shift that, despite Beijing’s disapproval, highlights the unpredictable dance of diplomacy and self-interest in the region.