The 2023 Conference of Global Public Security Cooperation Forum (Lianyungang), which opened Wednesday in Lianyungang, eastern China's Jiangsu province, brought together over 500 officials, law enforcement representatives, experts, and scholars from over 50 countries and international organizations. They convened to address rising global challenges such as transnational crime, terrorism, and cybercrime.

The 2023 Conference of Global Public Security Cooperation Forum (Lianyungang) kicks off in Lianyungang, eastern China's Jiangsu province, Sept. 20, 2023. [Photo by Cui Can/China.org.cn]

With the theme "One World, Common Security," the forum aimed to foster enhanced collaboration in international law enforcement and public security, addressing the pressing challenges of the modern world.

During the opening ceremony, Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong emphasized the need to combat emerging forms of crime that threaten global security. He said, "No country can fare well by itself without interacting with other countries."

He stated that China has a clear and consistent stance on serious and complicated public security issues. He added, "China is willing to cooperate with all parties to put the Global Security Initiative into action, following the principle of security that is shared, holistic, collaborative, and lasting."

In recent years, the Ministry of Public Security has bolstered its law enforcement and security partnerships with corresponding departments worldwide. This strategy has not only ensured domestic safety but also significantly contributed to global and regional stability.

Ma Jinqi, president of China People's Police University, underscored the role of the Chinese police force in augmenting global public security governance. They have offered training and educational programs to over 20,000 police officers from 116 countries, encompassing various areas of law enforcement and crime prevention.

Ahmed Nasser Al-Raisi, president of the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), praised China's steadfast commitment to regional security, peace, and stability.

He pointed to China's pivotal role in joint operations aimed at cross-border telecom fraud, mainly through the collaborative initiative Operation First Light. In 2022, this operation led to the dismantling of 1,770 fraud hubs, the arrest of over 2,000 suspects, and the seizure of illegal funds amounting to $50 million, data from Interpol shows.

The forum's attendees resoundingly advocated for dialogue and cooperation to address the pressing security challenges of today's world. Many commended the Global Security Initiative (GSI) for prioritizing dialogue over confrontation, collaboration over alliances, and mutual benefits over zero-sum dynamics.

"Security has become more of a much bigger problem. We've moved into an area where peace can no longer be taken for granted," said Martin Jacques, a visiting professor at Tsinghua University and former senior fellow at the Department of Politics and International Studies of Cambridge University.

He noted that the West's approach to security — usually by forming alliances to counter perceived threats from China — is seen by some as potentially divisive and conflict-inducing.

Jacques lauded China's GSI for introducing a new perspective on security, focusing on collaboration and collective responsibility for global safety.

The conference promoted thorough discussions on the global security landscape, international law enforcement collaboration, and global security governance. It featured three parallel sessions: the Security & Development Forum, the Panel on the International Security Situation, and the Police Academy Chiefs Forum.

Additionally, three documents were unveiled during the conference, covering the concept of public security, enhancing global public security cooperation, and the Global Public Security Index.

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