MANILA, April 18 -- The Chinese Embassy in Manila on Thursday said it supports the Philippines' efforts in addressing issues related to offshore gaming operations.

The statement was made following the arrest of some Chinese nationals over possession of high-powered firearms and bribery attempt, who were later linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).

"The Chinese Embassy stays in communication with the Philippine law enforcement agencies on offenses related to pogo, and support the Philippine side in addressing the root causes of the problem arising from the offshore gambling industry," it read.

The embassy said gambling in any form is illegal in China and it does not condone Chinese nationals engaging in such businesses a...