Held in Lianyungang, the Conference of the Global Public Security Forum takes center stage amidst global security challenges.
The vibrant city of Lianyungang, situated in East China’s Jiangsu Province, proudly welcomes the 2023 Conference of the Global Public Security Forum from Tuesday to Thursday. The forum’s core message, “One World, Common Security,” serves as a clarion call to address the urgent need for strengthened global cooperation in the sphere of public security.
As the world witnesses intensifying major power competitions, rising geopolitical tensions, and a multitude of security threats both conventional and unconventional, there’s a growing realization of the significance of interconnected, transnational, and diverse security challenges. The existing global security governance mechanisms are yet to catch up with the rapid dynamics of these challenges, making platforms like this forum ever more critical.
Chen Zhimin, the chairman of the main event organizer, the China Association for Friendship, addressed these pressing matters in an interview with the Global Times. He stated that in this landscape marked by myriad challenges, cooperation emerges as the singular, viable path forward. The thrust of the discourse revolves around the fact that in the present day, collaboration is not just an option but a necessity. Strengthening ties in the domain of global public security forms a cornerstone for building a collective future that promises safety and prosperity for all of humanity.
Drawing attention to China’s proactive stance, the Global Security Initiative Concept Paper, released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry earlier in February, shed light on the country’s commitment. The paper outlined China’s unwavering support for forums such as this, in tandem with other notable platforms like the China-Africa Peace and Security Forum, the Middle East Security Forum, and the Beijing Xiangshan Forum. The objective remains consistent: fostering deeper security-related exchanges and collaborations.
The Lianyungang conference has garnered international attention, with over 500 law enforcement officers, esteemed experts, and scholars from approximately 50 countries and regions making their presence felt. The list of attendees is impressive, with representatives from countries including but not limited to the UK, Thailand, Vietnam, South Africa, and Saudi Arabia. Numerous international entities are also actively participating.
Moreover, the forum has received added gravitas with the arrival of senior officials from global entities like Interpol and the Lancang-Mekong Law Enforcement Center. Distinguished envoys from Russia, South Korea, Germany, France, among others, have also graced the event.
Gleaning insights from the event’s organizers, the Global Times highlighted the gradual and yet significant strides made in recent years. Thanks to proactive initiatives and strategic promotions, there is now a robust collaborative network aimed at fostering security and development worldwide. Through these initiatives, mechanisms for global public security cooperation have witnessed continuous enhancements.
The forum offers a unique space where countries and international entities converge, focusing on strengthening exchanges and formulating cooperative strategies. There’s been a notable agreement on myriad issues ranging from countering cross-border crimes, drug control measures, counter-terrorism initiatives, to fugitive repatriation. The outcomes have been nothing short of commendable.
Endorsing the forum’s ethos, Interpol Vice President Valdecy Urquisa extolled it as a paradigm of open, efficient, and pragmatic law enforcement dialogue and innovation. Such a platform, he noted, aptly addresses the collective security and developmental needs of all its stakeholders.
Taking a closer look at China’s contributions, it’s evident that the nation has been at the forefront of multilateral cooperation. Chinese law enforcement has actively collaborated with major international organizations like the UN, Interpol, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and ASEAN. Sharing their unique insights on crafting a “rule of law China” and a vision for a “safe China,” Chinese authorities have consistently championed global law enforcement collaboration.
China’s law enforcement outreach is expansive, with established ties with over 110 countries through Interpol alone. This includes bilateral law enforcement hotlines and over 400 formal agreements. Further emphasizing their commitment, joint patrols comprising Chinese and foreign police forces are conducted in scenic locales across countries like Italy, Croatia, and Serbia. This cooperation ensures a secure environment, bolstering the Belt and Road Initiative’s economic and trade engagements.
To bolster global public security governance, Chinese law enforcement agencies have undertaken massive training initiatives. Over 20,000 police officers from 116 countries have benefited from specialized training spanning various facets of law enforcement.
Kongthong Phongvichith, Deputy Minister of Public Security of Laos, lauded the forum’s impact. He emphasized its pivotal role as a platform for enriching international law enforcement exchanges, ensuring a resilient world security order.
A highlight of the conference will be the keynote speech by Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security, Wang Xiaohong. His address at the opening ceremony is eagerly anticipated by delegates and observers alike. The forum will further branch out into sub-sessions exploring themes such as global security forecasting, multilateral public security synergy, governance capacity enhancement, and the shared dividends of safe development.
It’s noteworthy that Lianyungang played host to the inaugural Conference of Global Public Security Forum in November 2022. That event too saw massive participation with representatives from 40 countries and global entities engaging both online and offline.
In summation, as the world grapples with unprecedented security challenges, platforms like the Global Public Security Forum become pivotal. It’s not just about discussions but about fostering a collaborative future where security and development become shared global goals.
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