Chinese Prosecutors Strengthen Cooperation with ASEAN to Combat Corruption

Strengthening Anti-Corruption Efforts in East Asia

In a significant move towards enhancing regional security and combating corruption, Chinese prosecutors are set to ramp up collaboration with their counterparts from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This initiative aims to confront new crime challenges that threaten the integrity of Southeast Asia and improve judicial cooperation among member states.

During an exclusive interview, the Prosecutor-General of the Supreme People's Procuratorate of China, Ying Yong, underscored the importance of this partnership ahead of the upcoming 15th China-ASEAN Prosecutors-General Conference in Hong Kong. The conference, first held in 2004, has traditionally addressed pressing regional security issues and has progressively shifted its focus in response to evolving crime patterns. Initially concentrated on transnational organized crime, terrorism, and drug trafficking, the agenda now encompasses a broader scope, including anti-corruption measures and financial asset recovery.

Addressing Evolving Crime Patterns

Ying noted that the conference’s themes have adapted to include emerging crimes such as transnational telecom fraud, cyber gambling, and other financial crimes. This year's focal point is particularly critical; it revolves around combating money laundering and corruption within the context of advancing technology. As new technologies proliferate, the methods used for laundering money and engaging in corrupt practices are becoming increasingly complex.

One of the fundamental challenges identified is the close link between corruption and money laundering. Money often obtained through corrupt means finds its way into financial systems through laundering techniques, compromising economic order and social equity. Prosecutors in China have remained vigilant against corruption, with significant indictments reported: between January 2024 and June 2025, over 39,000 individuals faced prosecution for duty-related crimes, including cases involving critical sectors like finance and infrastructure.

Intensifying Crackdown on Corruption

The Chinese government's crackdown on corruption has intensified, particularly against those guilty of large bribes and repeat offenders. In recent statistics, from January to June, there were nearly 4,700 prosecutions involving bribery, emphasizing the government's available tools to deter such activities. Ying explains that notable corruption cases have been revealed across sectors, aimed at keeping these industries in check and urging them to enhance their management protocols.

Cooperation with ASEAN Prosecutors

With the backdrop of the upcoming conference, Ying emphasizes the unprecedented depths of collaboration achieved between China and ASEAN states in tackling transnational crimes. The focus remains on combating serious threats such as money laundering, corruption, and asset recovery, experiences and strategies shared through joint declarations and cooperation documents developed during previous conferences provide a roadmap for the future of this collaboration.

Legal Frameworks and New Challenges

Given the rapid advancements in digital technology, money laundering offenses are evolving. Technologies like blockchain and virtual currencies offer criminals new pathways to obscure illegal activities. As a response, the Supreme People's Procuratorate, in conjunction with various departments, is enhancing legal interpretations and frameworks for addressing these challenges. Over the past years, the annual prosecutions related to money laundering have witnessed a rise exceeding 11%, indicative of the rising prominence of financial crimes in the region.

Emphasis on International Collaboration

Additionally, prosecutors are actively participating in global anti-money laundering initiatives, contributing to discussions at international forums, including the Financial Action Task Force. Increasing public awareness through case studies and legal education is another critical strategy to fortify resistance against the challenges presented by money laundering.

As the conference approaches, Ying calls on participants to deepen discussions and enhance exchanges regarding anti-corruption and money laundering, fostering a collective response to ensure peace, stability, and development across the region. Continued efforts in judicial and prosecutorial cooperation underscore the urgency of adapting to new forms of criminal activity as governments move to protect economic and societal integrity.