Beijing – The Chinese government has issued a significant advisory cautioning its citizens against entering into illegal marriages with Bangladeshi women. This move comes amid a shortage of women in China, which has reportedly led to an increase in unauthorized cross-border marriages.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry warned citizens to be vigilant about marriage scams, fraudulent cross-border dating videos, unofficial matrimonial arrangements, and related misinformation. It urged prospective grooms to carefully verify all details before marrying Bangladeshi women to avoid falling victim to scams or legal complications.
China has seen a declining marriage rate in recent years, as many young people prioritize establishing stable employment before starting families. The gender imbalance in the country has resulted in an estimated 30 million men unable to find life partners. Recent media reports have highlighted instances of Bangladeshi women being trafficked illegally to China for marriage.
The advisory also called on victims of cross-border sexual exploitation or forced marriages to immediately report to the Public Security Authority. It warned that those involved in such illegal marriages could face prosecution under human trafficking laws.
Under Bangladeshi law, those found guilty of human trafficking can be sentenced to up to seven years in prison, with life imprisonment or the death penalty applicable in severe cases. Previously, criminal networks have trafficked Bangladeshi women to India, with several arrests made in Dhaka involving such operations. Social media platforms like TikTok have reportedly been used in these trafficking schemes.
This advisory reflects China’s firm stance against illegal cross-border marriages and human trafficking, emphasizing the importance of complying with legal procedures in international unions.