(ECNS) -- China cooperated with the Philippines to deal with illegal offshore gambling, repatriating more than 40 Chinese nationals following a similar operation in December 2023, according to the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines on Thursday.

At the request of the Philippines, the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines actively assisted the country in cracking down on illegal gambling and successfully completing multiple repatriation missions since 2023.

China firmly opposes all forms of gambling. The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines will maintain close communications with the host nation on crimes involving offshore gambling to protect the rights and interests of Chinese nations, the embassy said.

China is willing to further cooperate with the Philippines and support it in taking strong measures to crack down on crimes, the embassy added.