On December 4, 2002, a formidable riot broke out in the East Timor capital of Dili. At about 7 pm, the rioters seized streets and lanes and burned many buildings. Chi Liwei received the report after he was off work. He rushed to the customs office immediately, for he knew there were many classified papers in the office, including a large database and files on the future automation of the customs, which the UN offered to help develop for the country. There were also dozens of computers, high-grade photocopiers and goods testers which cost some one million US dollars. If these equipment and data were destroyed, it would lead to a total breakdown of the customs and stop the automation program.

Entering the office premises, Chi found that four rioters were piling large quantities of papers, gasoline and wheels to burn the building. Realizing Chi was there alone, the rioter surrounded him with iron sticks and stones in their hands. To safeguard the public properties of East Timor, fearlessly Chi drew his pistol out and scared the rioters away.

Then, Chi poured the gasoline into the sewer, transferred the papers and patrolled the customs premises alone until the customs head and two carloads of Portuguese soldiers arrived half an hour later. They transferred all of the expensive equipment and files to a safe location. The official shook Chi’s hands and thanked him for what he had done.

The next day, Chi went to the customs building twice and drove away thieves from the penalized goods storehouse and the stationary storehouse.

On December 10, the planning and financial minister of East Timor signed a report on awarding Chi and wrote to the UN Police Chief Inspector for East Timor, suggesting a citation for merit.

At the awarding ceremony held in the Chinese Embassy to East Timor, Chi said briefly: “I have two homes, one in China, the other in East Timor. I love both of them and won’t allow any harm to them.”

(China.org.cn by Li Xiao, January 17, 2003)