[International] Cambodia's Anti-Scam Efforts Become Geopolitical Discourse Battleground as China, US, and ASEAN Clash for Dominance

Cambodia recently announced its achievements in cracking down on cross-border scams, hoping to reshape its international image, but it is also questioned for systemic corruption and selective law enforcement. Behind "how to combat scams" lies a battlefield of discourse where China, the US, and ASEAN are vying for dominance in Southeast Asia's regional order, border conflicts, cross-border law enforcement leadership, and human rights discourse. Cambodia will host the "International Conference on Combating Cyber-Scams" (ICCOSS) in Phnom Penh from September 23rd to 24th, in collaboration with international organizations such as the Lancang-Mekong River Law Enforcement and Security Cooperation Center (LMLECC) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). This event will draw international attention to the issue of cross-border scams in Southeast Asia and globally. The Phnom Penh Post reported on the 18th, citing the latest data from the "Committee to Combat Technology Scams" (CCTC), that Cambodia's anti-scam operations over the past year have shut down more than 600 technology scam-related locations, processed over 4,000 suspects, and revoked or suspended the licenses of over 40 casinos suspected of involvement in scams. However, recently, transnational cybercrime has not only caused severe economic and social harm but has also become a new battlefield of discourse. It involves not only high-level Cambodian politics but also the manipulation of Chinese criminal supply chains, leaving ASEAN countries helpless. The UK, US, and EU are attempting to impose sanctions and pressure, while Beijing is using the opportunity to extend its long arm of jurisdiction. In mid-June, an article by the Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA) titled "When Scams Become the Frontline" analyzed how transnational criminal groups, acting as criminal enterprises, sources of state revenue, and military infrastructure, are dragging Southeast Asia into war. When Thai fighter jets attacked "scam dens" on the Thai-Cambodian border and brought international media to film, the lines between conflict participants and scam activities became blurred. An article on The Diplomat on the 18th, "From Scam Empires to Security States," pointed out that Cambodia accuses Thailand of using the crackdown on scams as a pretext for military aggression and expansion, occupying parts of the border under the guise of combating crime. On the other hand, under military pressure and the calls of allies and the international community, the Cambodian government quickly adjusted its strategy, launching a crackdown and sweep of domestic scam parks. The Diplomat reported that facing international pressure, Cambodia's political elite had to sacrifice this industry, which accounts for half of its GDP and is crucial to the upper echelons of power. It is noteworthy that "Cambodia's ruling family has not lost control of the country. Instead, they have transformed this anti-scam operation into their own advantage, using this diplomatic repair plan to enhance Cambodia's military strength, confiscate billions of dollars worth of real estate built and invested by criminal investors, and consolidate their authoritarian rule." Prime Minister Hun Manet views the anti-scam network as a crucial action to save the country's image and reputation, and to protect national economic and tourism interests, refuting claims that it is for political show or consolidating power. UN Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews, in a report on Cambodia's human rights situation released in late July, focused on the border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia and transnational scam crimes. He affirmed the Cambodian government's anti-scam actions but also expressed concern that "corruption undermines law enforcement, and scammers often receive advance warnings before raids." According to The Phnom Penh Post, Andrews questioned why the government "has not yet taken action against senior Cambodian officials and other powerful individuals with credible links to cyber-scam activities," emphasizing that "to eradicate the industry, the government must address the collusion between political and business elites and criminals." A 150-page independent report by Amnesty International (AI) also questioned whether Cambodia's anti-scam efforts are merely a public relations whitewash and raised concerns about selective law enforcement. Cambodian Ministry of Interior spokesperson Touch Sokhak warned on the 13th at the 5th Phnom Penh Forum hosted by the Royal Academy of Cambodia's Institute of International Relations that all parties should not "politicize" cyber-scams to target Cambodia, including violating Cambodia's territorial integrity. He stated: "Cambodia welcomes cooperation from all parties in combating cross-border crime, but we must avoid politicizing cyber-scams as an excuse for any country to achieve its ulterior political motives." Kin Phea, Director of the Institute of International Relations, pointed out that in some cases, cyber-scams are used to smear Cambodia and damage its international image. Kin Phea called for "combating these crimes should not be politicized or instrumentalized, nor should it be exploited by narratives that shift responsibility, smear any particular country, or create mistrust and tension between nations." (Editor: Liu Xianghua)