Key Findings

This article reports on a former Chinese student, Liu Ao, who studied in Laos and claims that many graduates from Confucius Institutes in Laos end up working in telecom fraud centers in the Golden Triangle. He highlights the irony of learning Chinese to then defraud Chinese people.

Confucius Institutes and Telecom Fraud

Liu Ao states that Confucius Institutes in Laos are prestigious and that some of his friends from the institute have joined the telecom fraud operations. He believes the teachers are aware of their students' employment paths.

China's Influence in Laos

The article details China's significant influence in Laos, describing it as a 'backyard' of China. This includes widespread Chinese businesses, infrastructure projects funded by China, Laos' substantial debt to China, and the presence of Chinese security personnel.

• Liu Ao points out that Chinese projects benefit primarily Chinese nationals and that the wages paid to Laotians by Chinese companies are low.
• He highlights the stark difference between Japanese and Chinese infrastructure projects, emphasizing the better treatment of workers by the Japanese.
• The article alleges that many Laotian organizations have been infiltrated by China, enabling them to provide information to Chinese authorities.

Concerns Raised

The article expresses concerns over the extent of Chinese government influence in Laos and the connection between Confucius Institutes and the growing problem of telecom fraud in the region.