China’s Border Fences Shift Human Trafficking to Myanmar, Study Finds

China's reinforced border fencing with neighboring Southeast Asian countries has altered human trafficking routes rather than eliminating the illicit trade, according to regional experts and officials.

Since 2020, China has constructed high-security barriers along its borders with Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar. These fences, often exceeding three meters in height and equipped with barbed wire and in some cases electric components, were initially justified as COVID-19 prevention measures. However, observers note additional motivations including combating cross-border crime and managing immigration flows.

Prior to these fortifications, thousands of women and girls were trafficked from Myanmar into China for forced marriages, driven by China's significant gender imbalance—approximately 34 million more males than females, according to a Johns Hopkins University study conducted between June 2017 and April 2018. The report recommended enhanced border protections and stronger anti-trafficking measures in both countries.

Michael Brosowski, founder of the Blue Dragon Children's Foundation, an NGO rescuing trafficking victims, explains that the new barriers haven't stopped trafficking but have redirected it. "Previously, they would take their victims across mountain trails and rivers into China undetected. Now that they can't do so, the traffickers have opened up new destinations to take their victims to. We've seen a growth in trafficking to northern Myanmar, Cambodia and, to some extent, Laos," Brosowski stated.

Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Chen Hai reports that many crimes originate with online gambling schemes and telecom frauds that lure Chinese nationals across the Myanmar border. Many victims expecting high-paying jobs find themselves instead subjected to kidnapping, forced labor, or sexual exploitation.

In response to these challenges, Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang visited Myanmar in May to emphasize the need for joint efforts against cross-border crime. The discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation to combat trafficking, promote regulated trade, and develop a China-Myanmar economic corridor.

Myanmar's Home Affairs Minister Lieutenant General Soe Htut has agreed to collaborate more closely with China despite ongoing political challenges in his country. The cooperation aims to address illegal activities threatening regional stability.

While the reinforced borders have altered trafficking patterns, Chinese nationals continue to be heavily involved in these criminal networks operating across the region's borders.