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China Executes 11 Linked to Myanmar Criminal Gangs

Is China executing dangerous criminals or are they killing trafficking victims forced into scam operations?
China Executes 11 Linked to Myanmar Criminal Gangs
Above: A criminal suspect is handed over to Chinese police at Nay Pyi Taw International Airport, Myanmar, Jan. 30, 2024. Image credit: Yin Gang/Xinhua/Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-China narrative

China's execution of 11 gang members operating from Myanmar demonstrates decisive action against transnational crime that defrauded victims of over $10 billion and murdered 14 people. These criminals ran armed compounds facilitating telecom fraud, illegal gambling and drug trafficking while causing massive financial harm to society. Swift capital punishment sends a clear message that such organized criminal enterprises will face the ultimate consequences under the law.

Anti-China narrative

China's crackdown is selective theater concealing complicity. Beijing tolerates these syndicates when convenient for regional leverage and intelligence operations, only acting when Chinese citizens are victims — pushing criminal networks to target other nations instead. This spectacle serves nationalism while obscuring how these networks flourish with state enablement, expanding China's influence across Southeast Asia with pro-Beijing rhetoric


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© 2026 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.18.0

© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 6.18.0