International team gets close look at China's grassroots policing

In the historic streets of Fuzhou, along the verdant coastlines of Quanzhou, and within the ancient town in Zhangzhou, Fujian province, a unique delegation recently embarked on a journey to look behind the curtain of one of the world's safest societies.

From Jan 12 to 15, the Ministry of Public Security organized a field trip, inviting police liaison officers from 11 nations and representatives of international organizations to explore the frontline of law enforcement in Fujian.

The tour was designed to showcase the country's "two miracles" — rapid economic growth and long-term social stability — through the lens of grassroots policing. For the visiting envoys, it was an opportunity to witness how China's enforcement concepts translate into the lived experiences of ordinary citizens.

For many international observers, a police station was often perceived as a cold institution.

However, the delegation's visit to Fujian challenged this stereotype. Antonio de Padua Vieira Cavalcanti, a Brazilian Federal Police liaison officer, found himself surprised by the harmonious atmosphere at a local station in Fuzhou.

"It was my first time in a Chinese police station, and it's very different from those in Brazil," Cavalcanti observed. "It is a very warm space where people can go to find services." The delegation found that integrating administration with technology and local culture at the precinct level makes the police seem less like a force of authority and more like a pillar of community support.

This human-centric philosophy also finds its expression in the Zhangzhou 110 model — a pioneering rapid-response unit that has become a national household name.

Marcy Salting, police attache of the Philippine embassy in China, was deeply moved by the unit's commitment to public welfare. "It really shows how compassionate you (police in Zhangzhou) are," she said. "I really salute all of you, and I would say that I learned a lot from it." For Salting, the "compassion" of Chinese officers is the secret ingredient that unifies.

As environmental crimes become a global crisis, China's specialized focus on ecological policing emerged as a major highlight. In Quanzhou's Luojiang district, the delegation visited a specialized station dedicated to protecting natural resources.

Jason Beatty, an attache with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, noted that China has revitalized the concept of natural resource protection.

Reflecting on a display showcasing tiger conservation and mangrove restoration, Beatty remarked on the evolution of policing. "In the early 1900s, there was a need to kill tigers because they had a negative impact on human populations. Now, it's the opposite; tigers are endangered, and we are bringing them back by stopping poaching."

He stressed that a renewed focus on environmental policing is vital for human survival, noting that the preservation of clean water, air, and diverse ecosystems is essential, which needs all parties to work together.

Adnane Makrani, the Netherlands Police attache, echoed this sentiment after walking through a local village. "The beauty of the work they do to preserve nature and try to balance humans and nature is impressive," he said, adding that the scenery was so serene that one could "sit somewhere, have a coffee and read a book".

While the tour showcased traditional values, it also highlighted China's technological advancements. Sener Mavzer, counselor for security cooperation and interior affairs with the Turkish Gendarmerie, was particularly keen on China's "AI Plus" initiative.

"Every year, I work on compiling crime rate statistics. From what I've seen, China is advancing at an impressive pace," Mavzer said. He was particularly impressed by the robust big data systems used to combat property crimes like theft." Your professional operational mechanisms and big data systems are functioning exceptionally well. We are eager to learn about these systems; we need to learn from China."

Mavzer also expressed interest in the specialized units tasked with addressing emerging crimes."Crimes against the environment and transnational crimes are becoming increasingly prevalent. We must join forces to tackle these problems effectively," he urged.

Chan Vandy, from the Lancang-Mekong Integrated Law Enforcement and Security Cooperation Center, shared a success story of international cooperation. Last year, the center requested assistance from the Fujian public security department regarding 15 Cambodian nationals suspected of being human trafficking victims. Vandy noted that the department provided timely verification and updates to help resolve such issues, which demonstrated effective police cooperation.

As the delegation concluded its trip, the mood was one of mutual respect and a shared desire for future collaboration. Stefan Korting, the German Federal Police attache, emphasized that understanding the history and specific systems of Chinese policing — including visits to a police museum — is the key to a "good future".

"We see a lot of police stations and different ways of working, which gives us a deep understanding of how China works," Korting said.