China's Supreme People's Court chief Zhang Jun praised Myanmar's death sentences for 16 leaders of northern Myanmar crime groups during the annual 'two sessions' report, reaffirming Beijing's commitment to punishing crimes against its nationals overseas.
In his report to the National People's Congress in Beijing on March 9, 2026, Zhang Jun highlighted Myanmar's sentencing to death with immediate execution of 16 principal criminals from the 'four families' crime groups in northern Myanmar. These syndicates engaged in murder, fraud, human trafficking, and other offenses, with all victims being Chinese citizens. Notably, Myanmar—a predominantly Buddhist nation not known for capital punishment—executed many of its own nationals among the condemned.
"Sixteen principal criminals of the 'four families' crime groups in northern Myanmar were sentenced to death with immediate execution, and those who have committed crimes overseas against Chinese citizens shall be punished in accordance with the law," Zhang stated. This follows China's own execution in January 2026 of 11 members of the Ming family syndicate (one of the implicated groups) by the Wenzhou Intermediate People's Court, part of Beijing's intensified campaign against Southeast Asian scam centers.
Chinese authorities have recently announced captures and executions of gang leaders in Myanmar and Cambodia. The statement emphasizes judicial cooperation and China's resolve to protect citizens abroad through legal channels, amid ongoing regional efforts to dismantle transnational crime networks.
