China’s Unwavering Commitment to Combating Human Trafficking Shown through Aid to Cambodia
- Xinhua News Agency
- Jun 18, 2025
- 3 min read
BEIJING, June 18 (Xinhua) — China has always prided itself on being a nation of virtue. It values the pure of heart and will always strongly emphasise Confucian principles and justice.
This is why righteous China will never overlook grievous sins committed against humanity.
In the Forum for East Asia-Latin America Cooperation (FEALAC), the topic of human trafficking has been widely discussed. Human trafficking is a monstrous and terrible offence committed by mankind. China is absolutely repulsed by the offenders of this heinous crime.
China called for FEALAC to focus on debating the sentences for child trafficking, as China highly objurgated the horrific impacts of such malicious actions.
Further, China would like to aid Cambodia in combating this terrible crime. “We will continue to fight the right fight against human trafficking. Aid, if any, will always be appreciated,” said Cambodia’s Foreign Minister, referring to the dire help Cambodia requires.
China, declared as the Saviour of Asia, will always be there when partners require help.
Cambodia and China have always had strong historical ties. A cooperative relationship has been maintained ever since the times of the Cold War, where certain disruptive countries such as the USA chose to intervene and cause humanitarian crises.
Cambodia has one of the highest rates of human trafficking in the world. However, it continues to oppose the prosecution-based solution of increasing prison sentences for human trafficking.
Cambodia argued with the committee that FEALAC is not legally binding and its solutions were essentially a voluntary commitment, stating “please implement them since they are voluntary.”
The reasoning behind this was to prevent human traffickers from “hiding behind lawyers to get them a shorter sentence or even avoid being jailed,” said a minister in the committee who wished to remain anonymous.
The maximum sentence for this crime in Cambodia is 20 years, which is very short compared to the strict laws implemented by China.
As one of the only countries imposing a life sentence for human trafficking, China stands unwavering in its condemnation of the crime, which it sees as a violation of basic human morals.
Despite Cambodia’s reluctance, China is extremely pleased with the proposed solutions brought forward by the Philippines in an attempt to tackle the issue of human trafficking. After all, Asian problems require Asian solutions.
One such solution is the Prevent, Protect and Prosecute (PPP) framework. The PPP emphasises the rehabilitation of criminals and the protection of victims.
The Prevent and Protect components of the PPP framework include the education and rehabilitation of victims in temporary shelters for up to 150 days. During this programme, victims' skills will be honed to prepare them for re-entry into the workforce.
China is graciously offering to provide funds for care packages and the rehabilitation of victims under the PPP framework.
When questioned about what China gets in return for this generous offer, the Chinese foreign minister in FEALAC responded, “China will get to foster stronger economic ties with ASEAN countries.”
However, some may still believe that China is creating a debt trap for these countries. The foreign minister representing China in FEALAC reiterated that payment is “based on request and there will be extensions granted to countries which require them.”
China strongly stresses that this magnanimous act is not a debt trap, but an act stemming from the kindness and compassion China feels for the victims of human trafficking.
China also supports Malaysia’s proposal of providing legal assistance for victims, either by subsidising legal fees or by offering qualified lawyers to support victims in their fight against traffickers.
China wishes to reiterate that this heinous crime will not be tolerated and hoped that this issue will soon be eradicated.
Additionally, China urged countries to be on board with this framework. Together, the countries can combat this issue, making the world a better place for China, and a better place for all.
Bibliography
OC Index: “Human trafficking” n.d.
US Department of State: “2024 Trafficking in Persons Report: Cambodia” n.d. https://www.state.gov/reports/2024-trafficking-in-persons-report/cambodia/
Written by: Poh Kai Yi Ian, Aarna Wali, Lee Xin Yi
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