BEIJING, Sept. 14 (Xinhuanet) -- The Ministry of Public Security has issued a circular urging local police of some border areas to stop Chinese citizens from gambling in neighboring countries.

    The ministry issued the circular simply because some casinos in neighboring countries have re-opened specially to entertain Chinese gamblers.

    Early this year, China launched a campaign against gambling overseas, which resulted in the closing of many casinos in border areas of some neighboring countries.

    Recently, however, these casinos have made a comeback, once again with Chinese gamblers as their main target.

    In the circular, the ministry orders local public security departments not to issue tourist exit permits to Chinese citizens who are heading for neighboring countries where local people have set up casinos.

    It reiterates the ministry's order to ban the setting-up of agencies in China by foreign casinos under the guise of recreational or lottery companies.

    Anyone who fails to follow the order will receive severe punishment in accordance with law, says the circular. Enditem