Read in Chinese
Speakers:
Mr. Qi Yanjun, executive vice minister of public security
Mr. Qiu Baoli, director general of the Bureau of Public Security Management of the Ministry of Public Security (MPS)
Mr. Li Jiantao, director general of the Bureau of Environmental Resources, Food and Drug Crime Investigation of the MPS and director general of the Bureau of Intellectual Property Crime Investigation of the MPS
Mr. Wang Qiang, director general of the Bureau of Traffic Management of the MPS
Chairperson:
Ms. Shou Xiaoli, director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson of the SCIO
Date:
Aug. 27, 2024
Shou Xiaoli:
Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO), as part of the series "Promoting High-Quality Development." Today, we have invited Mr. Qi Yanjun, executive vice minister of public security; Mr. Qiu Baoli, director general of the Bureau of Public Security Management of the Ministry of Public Security (MPS); Mr. Li Jiantao, director general of the Bureau of Environmental Resources, Food and Drug Crime Investigation of the MPS and director general of the Bureau of Intellectual Property Crime Investigation of the MPS; and Mr. Wang Qiang, director general of the Bureau of Traffic Management of the MPS, to brief you on relevant developments and to take your questions.
Now, I'll give the floor to Mr. Qi for his introduction.
Qi Yanjun:
Thank you, Ms. Shou. Hello, friends from the media.
Since the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), public security organs nationwide have fully implemented the guiding principles of the congress and the second and third plenary sessions of the 20th CPC Central Committee, thoroughly studied and implemented the important remarks of General Secretary Xi Jinping on high-quality development, and carried out the arrangements of the National Public Security Work Conference. We have further innovated our philosophies, optimized measures and improved methodologies, with the aim of creating sound political, social, service and legal environments that are conducive for high-quality development. We have made new contributions to sustaining rapid economic growth and long-term social stability, which are two remarkable achievements.
We have made every effort to strengthen political security, fostering a secure and stable political environment for high-quality development. We have fully applied a holistic approach to national security, prioritizing political security, closely guarding against and cracking down on infiltration, subversive, disruptive and destructive activities by internal and external hostile forces, to firmly safeguard the security of China's state power, systems and ideology. We have resolutely and initiatively cracked down on terrorism and separatism and continuously conducted special actions to combat violence and terrorism, firmly preventing violent and terrorist cases and incidents. We have thoroughly implemented the Global Security Initiative, deepened international law enforcement cooperation to maintain security, and made more partners in law enforcement and security cooperation. We have firmly safeguarded the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens and legal persons overseas.
We have made every effort to maintain the long-term stability and security of society, fostering a peaceful and harmonious social environment for high-quality development. We have upheld a people-centric development philosophy, carried forward and evolved the Fengqiao Experience (an approach to resolve social disputes at the community level) in the new era, and facilitated the improvement of public security governance mechanisms and social governance systems, advancing the Peaceful China Initiative to a higher level. In 2023, public security organs nationwide filed 4.8% fewer criminal cases than in 2022, whereas the number of public security cases being investigated and handled was on par with that in 2022. From January to July this year, the number of criminal cases filed dropped 30.1% year on year, achieving a 14-month decline streak; the number of telecommunications and online fraud cases filed decreased 23.8% year on year, falling for 11 consecutive months; and 99.94% of current homicide cases were solved, the highest rate in history. People's sense of security has constantly improved. Foreigners staying in China often praise it as one of the safest countries in the world. In 2023, the national public security index maintained a high standard, reaching 98.2% and remaining above 98% for four years in a row.
We have made every effort to enhance coordinated reforms, fostering an excellent and efficient service environment for high-quality development. We have fully and faithfully applied the new development philosophy, further deepening the reform of public security related administrative services to continue unleashing the internal driving forces and creativity of society. Since 2019, we have fulfilled the duties and missions of public security authorities and rolled out a series of new reform measures to benefit both individuals and enterprises. We have advanced one-stop government services by improving the list-based management mechanism for relevant major tasks. We have diversified the methods for accessing administrative services, optimized related procedures, reduced the materials required, and minimized costs. In terms of benefiting individuals and enterprises, we have issued more than 240 reform measures to facilitate socioeconomic development and improve the business environment. In terms of public security and household administration, we have continuously deepened efforts in providing frequently used household administrative services across provinces and providing ID card related services outside home jurisdiction. More than 4.15 million household registration transfers have been handled across provinces, and 116 million ID cards have been renewed or reissued outside home jurisdiction. In terms of traffic management, we have rolled out 10 sets of new reform measures, benefiting more than 800 million people and cutting more than 70 billion yuan ($9.86 billion) in administrative costs for the public. In terms of integrated urban-rural development, the process of granting permanent urban residency to people moving out of rural areas has been advanced in an orderly manner. Since 2014, a total of 150 million of these people have been granted permanent urban residency in a steady and orderly manner. Nationwide, the registered urban population proportion reached 48.3% in 2023, up from 35.9% in 2014.
We have made every effort to improve public security through rule of law, fostering a fair and just legal environment for high-quality development. We have continuously deepened efforts in standardizing law enforcement, improving rule of law in public security work and the credibility of law enforcement, to let the public feel a sense of fairness and justice in our handling of each case and incident. We have upheld and fulfilled our commitments to unswervingly consolidating and developing the public sector and unswervingly encouraging, supporting and guiding the development of the non-public sector. Based on the principle of equitable and law-based protection, we have investigated and handled 396,000 criminal cases involving intellectual property infringement and disruption of market order since 2019. We have insisted on boosting development and ensuring effective governance through good legislation, facilitating the formulation and revision of more than 50 laws and regulations related to public security. We have insisted on ensuring fairness and justice by standardizing law enforcement, setting up 3,055 management centers for law enforcement and case handling at city and county levels, which have become vivid examples showcasing the law-based governance of China. We have thoroughly promoted strict, standardized, impartial and civilized law enforcement, improved related methodologies, and standardized the language and conduct used in the process, achieving a better balance between law, reason and sense, and ensuring the timeliness, intensity and effect of law enforcement.
On the new journey, public security authorities nationwide will thoroughly study and implement the guiding principles of the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, to gain a deep understanding of the decisive significance of establishing Comrade Xi Jinping's core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole and establishing the guiding role of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. We will be more conscious of the need to maintain political integrity, think in big-picture terms, follow the leadership core, and maintain alignment with the central Party leadership. We will remain confident in the path, theory, system and culture of socialism with Chinese characteristics. We will uphold Comrade Xi Jinping's core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole and uphold the Central Committee's authority and its centralized, unified leadership. We will also further deepen all-round reform of the public security system and pursue modernization with our work, increasing our contribution to building a great country and advancing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through Chinese modernization.
That is all for my introduction. Next, my colleagues and I are ready to take your questions.
Thank you, Mr. Qi, for your introduction. Let's move on to the question-and-answer session. Please identify the media outlet you represent before raising your question. The floor is now open for questions.
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Hongxing News:
Today's China is a country of people who are on the move. We've noted that the third plenary session of the 20th Party Central Committee outlined plans for promoting integrated urban-rural development. What steps will public security agencies take to support this integration, especially in reforming the household registration system and granting permanent urban residency to eligible rural migrants? Thank you.
Qi Yanjun:
Thank you for your question. I would like to invite Mr. Qiu to answer it.
Qiu Baoli:
I'll answer this question. Household registration system reform is a critical issue attracting significant public attention. The third plenary session of the 20th Party Central Committee proposed implementing systems allowing people to obtain household registration and access basic public services where they permanently reside. We will push to see that eligible rural-to-urban migrants enjoy the same rights as registered local residents regarding social insurance, housing support, and access to compulsory education for their children living with them. We'll also accelerate the process of granting them permanent urban residency and explore establishing a unified national population management system. These efforts will guide further household registration reform. The MPS will work with relevant departments to conduct in-depth research and take effective measures to grant permanent urban residency to eligible rural-to-urban migrants in an orderly manner, promoting integrated urban-rural development.
First, we're committed to introducing policies that benefit people. We have accelerated the implementation of the household registration system at the place of habitual residence. Through the joint efforts of various regions and departments, most cities nationwide have lifted all restrictions on household registration. Next, we'll guide local governments to implement category-based and region-specific policies, adhering to basic conditions of legal and stable employment or residence, including leasing. We'll relax restrictions on household registration in cities with 3 to 5 million permanent residents and improve points-based household registration policies for megacities with more than 5 million permanent urban residents. These measures aim to better facilitate the urbanization of the rural migrant population.
Second, we have committed to offering convenient services to the public and ensuring easy access to commonly used government services. In recent years, public security agencies have made significant progress in advancing the handling of common government services on an interprovincial basis. As of the end of July this year, 2.4 million household certification services were handled interprovincially. Meanwhile, over 1.2 million resident ID cards were issued for first-time applicants interprovincially. More than 42.32 million resident ID cards were replaced and reissued across provinces and 73.62 million across prefectures. Building on the fully implementation of nationwide access to household registration transfer, resident ID cards and temporary resident ID cards, we will guide local governments to actively respond to new public expectations and demands. We will steadily advance the online completion of all procedures for common household administration services, such as reissuing, replacing and obtaining resident ID cards, so that tasks can be done without leaving home.
At the same time, we remain committed to carrying out reforms that benefit the public, actively exploring the establishment of a national unified household registration management system. In recent years, valuable practical experience has been gained in deepening the reform of the household registration system, which has laid a solid foundation for establishing a unified national household registration management system. Next, we will continue to deepen the reform of the household registration system and accelerate the integration of the function of resident ID cards and residence permits. Taking resident ID numbers as the unique identifiers, we will accelerate the interdepartmental connection and sharing of population information resources in accordance with the law and aggregate information on employment and education so as to better promote one-stop government services. We will advance legislation in the field of household registration management so as to provide a legal guarantee for a national unified household registration management system. Thank you.
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China Police Daily:
In recent years, the MPS has continued to promote the reform of administrative management services and introduced a series of measures. Notably, in August 2023, the MPS issued 26 measures to support high-quality economic and social development. Could you please update us on the overall progress of these initiatives? Thank you.
Qi Yanjun:
Thank you for the question. The reform of administrative management services is an important vehicle for public security agencies to advance high-quality development. Since the 20th CPC National Congress, the MPS has launched a series of reform measures to support high-quality development, including the 26 measures you just mentioned. The implementation of these reform measures has achieved remarkable progress. Allow me to briefly outline this progress in three key areas.
In terms of serving and ensuring the implementation of major national strategies, we have continued to increase institutional support. We have further refined the household registration transfer policy and continued facilitating urbanization of the rural migrant population. At present, household registration restrictions have been comprehensively relaxed or lifted in all cities, except for a few megacities in the eastern region and some provincial capitals in the central and western regions. Focusing on serving coordinated regional development, we have studied and formulated a series of measures, such as certain measures for supporting accelerated growth in the central region. We have continued to enhance law enforcement coordination in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and the Yangtze River Delta, serving coordinated regional development through collaboration among regional police forces. We have advanced the institutional opening up of immigration management and enhanced the convenience of immigration and entry-exit administration. From January to July 2024, the number of foreign tourists visiting China for sightseeing (leisure) reached 5.722 million, with 3.803 million for meetings (business) and 1.723 million for visits to relatives and friends, rising by 403%, 81.5% and 107.4% year-on-year respectively.
In terms of serving the establishment of a modern industrial system, we have continued to unleash the vitality of innovation, entrepreneurship and creativity. We have highlighted service functions, established regular police-enterprise contact mechanisms, and innovated online and offline service models. We have developed several service brands to assist and protect enterprises, including the "11087 Qinqing in Zhejiang" by Zhejiang public security authorities and the "Qinqing in Fujian" brand by Fujian public security authorities. We have further facilitated the passage of vehicles for logistics and freight transportation. More than 270 cities above the prefecture level have lifted traffic restrictions on new energy light trucks, as well as smaller box trucks and enclosed trucks, promoting urban truck routes and serving nearly 30,000 enterprises. We have further regulated law enforcement involving enterprises and strictly regulated coercive measures that concern the personal rights of citizens as well as the sealing, sequestering and freezing of assets. We will take timely and effective actions against prominent law enforcement problems and protect the property rights and lawful rights and interests of business operators in accordance with the law.
In terms of efficient convenience for the people and benefits for enterprises, we have innovated and optimized public security administration services. We will continue to promote more public security administration services to be handled "online and on mobile devices; in one visit and in an integrated manner; nearby and in different places." As I just introduced, people can apply for identity cards, electronic driver's licenses and vehicle licenses outside of their home jurisdiction. Currently, residence registration transfer, identity cards, driver's licenses and passports can all be handled throughout the country. Comprehensive service windows for public security administration services have been set up in 24,000 police stations, where more than 100 government service items can be handled. In addition, more than 20,000 self-service devices have been installed in police stations across the country to provide the public with 24/7 services. Centering on the entire process and all links of people's travel, including license plate and certificate application, road traffic and traffic accident handling, we have launched several batches of reform measures, such as simplifying vehicle registration and transactions, optimizing the management of bus lanes in cities, and promoting online video quick handling of minor traffic accidents. So far, 250 million electronic driver's licenses have been issued. Electronic vehicle licenses have been piloted in 60 cities including Beijing, with more than 22 million vehicle owners issued with electronic vehicle licenses. These efforts have provided more convenient and efficient public security traffic management administration services for the public.
There is no end to the development of services. Next, the public security authorities will further innovate their concepts, improve their methods and optimize their measures to continuously enhance the efficiency of service management and more proactively lead high-quality development. That is all from me.
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Dutch Public Broadcaster NOS:
Yesterday, the period of soliciting opinions closed for the newly proposed national network identification and authentication management, also referred to as "Wanghao" or "Wangzheng." These proposed measures caused backlash in China, including among leading intellectuals. How will your ministry guarantee that a transgression on one internet platform will not cause an individual to be excluded from all other necessary internet services needed in modern day life?
Qi Yanjun:
Thank you to the foreign journalist friend for your question. Recently, during the process of soliciting opinions on cyberspace IDs and certificates, many good opinions and suggestions have been put forward by all sectors of society, and we have paid interest to all of them. Regarding this issue, I would like to invite Mr. Qiu to answer.
Qiu Baoli:
I'll answer this question. Thank you for your interest in this issue.
As this journalist mentioned, on July 26, the MPS and the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) jointly released the draft measures for the administration of cyberspace IDs and solicited opinions, attracting widespread attention. On Aug. 25, the soliciting period ended, and we are now meticulously sorting through the opinions from all sides and fully incorporating everyone's suggestions. Regarding the issues of cyberspace IDs and certificates that everyone is interested in, the media has provided detailed interpretations of related issues last week. I recommend the journalist friend look into them. The explanations are very detailed and comprehensive, and can answer your questions.
However, it should be noted that after the implementation of the national cyberspace ID service, users will have an additional safe and convenient option. Original network identity authentication methods can still be used, and users can still access the internet normally without using cyberspace IDs or certificates. Thank you.
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Hong Kong Bauhinia Magazine:
Currently, the topics of unmanned and autonomous driving are very popular. We also understand that the MPS has cooperated with the Ministry of Transport and other departments on numerous areas. What other considerations have the MPS made in promoting the development of unmanned and autonomous driving? Thank you.
Qi Yanjun:
Thank you for your question. I would like to invite Mr. Wang to answer.
Wang Qiang:
I'll answer this question. This is also an issue of great concern to all sectors of society. Intelligent connected vehicles (ICVs), commonly known as unmanned or autonomous vehicles, are currently a major high ground in the new round of scientific and technological revolution worldwide. Currently, through continuous technological accumulation and testing, China's ICV industry is advancing steadily. In this process, the public security traffic management departments and public security organs have fully leveraged their functions and protected the legitimate rights and interests of traffic participants in accordance with the law, continuously adapted to the development of autonomous driving technology, and actively cooperated with competent authorities to carry out management and support work. So far, a total of 16,000 license plates for testing autonomous vehicles have been issued, and 32,000 kilometers of public roads have been opened for testing, which has effectively supported the verification and updating of autonomous driving technology.
On the one hand, we are actively cooperating with competent authorities to promote road trials. Our country is currently forming a comprehensive management system for autonomous vehicles covering road testing, demonstration and application, market access and on-road operation. In terms of road testing and demonstration and application, in July 2021, the MPS jointly issued a document with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and the MOT, clearly stipulating the requirements for entities, drivers and vehicles involved in the technical testing and demonstration and application of autonomous vehicles on public roads, as well as the management of road testing and demonstration and application, and the handling of traffic violations and accidents. In terms of market access pilot program and on-road operation, in November 2023, the MPS jointly issued regulations with the MIIT and other departments, conducting a pilot program of market access for autonomous vehicle products that have undergone technical testing and are ready for mass production. Autonomous vehicles included in the MIIT's announcement after the access pilot program can purchase insurance, get registered and conduct pilot tests for on-road operation within designated areas. In addition, in the pilot application of the vehicle-road-cloud collaborative system, the MPS jointly issued a notice with the MIIT and other departments, refining and improving relevant management measures for road traffic safety management and cybersecurity.
On the other hand, we are also actively promoting the revision of the Road Traffic Safety Law. Detailed regulations have been established regarding road testing of self-driving cars, their on-road passage, traffic violations, accident handling and the pursuit of related responsibilities. Currently, the revision of the Road Traffic Safety Law has been included in the State Council's 2024 annual legislative agenda and the first category of the legislative plan of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress.
Additionally, we are proactively advancing the formulation and revision of relevant technical standards. In the areas of registration management, identity authentication, and safety and road traffic management for autonomous driving, we are actively promoting the development of eight national standards, including technical requirements for driving safety tests for intelligent and connected vehicles, as well as 10 public safety industry standards, such as elements and setup requirements for driving safety tests on public roads of intelligent and connected vehicles. We are also working closely with the MIIT and other departments to promote the establishment of a unified national technical standard system for autonomous vehicles.
Next, the MPS will balance development and security, actively cooperating with the MIIT, the MOT and other relevant authorities. We will promote the advancement of the autonomous driving industry and the transformation and upgrading of the automotive industry in a legal, secure, steady and orderly manner, serving the high-quality economic development of our country. Thank you.
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CNR News:
We are aware that public security authorities play a crucial role in safeguarding ecological safety. To better protect our lucid waters and lush mountains, what specific measures will the public security authorities take in the future to combat eco-environmental crimes? What progress has been made? Thank you.
Qi Yanjun:
Environmental and ecological protection is indeed a matter of high concern for all sectors of society. I would like to invite Mr. Li to answer your questions.
Li Jiantao:
Thank you for your interest. In recent years, the public security authorities have resolutely implemented the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important instructions on eco-environmental protection, always adhering to the strictest systems and most rigorous rule of law to protect the ecological environment. In conjunction with relevant departments, they have effectively cracked down on environmental and resource crimes in accordance with the law. From January to July of this year, a total of over 30,000 criminal cases involving the environment and resources were filed and investigated nationwide. Our work primarily focuses on the following three key areas:
To prevent and control pollution, the public security authorities have lawfully cracked down on environmental pollution crimes. In collaboration with the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and other relevant departments, we have continuously carried out special operations to combat environmental crimes related to hazardous waste and to rectify issues of falsification by third-party environmental protection service institutions. A total of over 1,600 criminal cases involving environmental pollution have been investigated and dealt with. For instance, based on clues from the "Oct. 25" environmental pollution case in Hechi, Guangxi, the MPS organized public security authorities in Inner Mongolia, Jiangxi and other regions to conduct thorough investigations, dismantling a gang involved in environmental pollution crimes that spanned seven provinces and regions, and lawfully disposing of thousands of metric tons of electronic waste.
In the protection of biodiversity and natural resources, we have lawfully cracked down on crimes that damage environmental resources. We have closely monitored criminal activities such as endangering precious and near-extinct wildlife, and illegal hunting and fishing, continuously increasing our crackdown efforts. From January to July of this year, we filed and investigated over 16,000 criminal cases in these areas. The MPS organized public security authorities in 21 provinces and regions to carry out a"May 22" special operation for concentrated crackdown on illegal hunting, filing and investigating over 800 criminal cases, and delivering a heavy blow to the arrogance of the criminals. In collaboration with relevant departments, we have launched special operations such as the Chunfeng (spring breeze) action, lawfully cracking down on crimes such as damaging ancient trees and famous wood species, endangering national key protected plants, and illegal sand and mineral mining, filing and investigating over 8,800 criminal cases, and effectively protecting the safety of forests and mineral resources.
In ensuring national food security, we have lawfully cracked down on crimes that damage arable land. We have implemented the strictest arable land protection system with tough measures, actively participated in joint departmental enforcement, and lawfully cracked down on related crimes. From January to July of this year, public security authorities nationwide filed and investigated 3,600 criminal cases of destruction of arable land and other types of agricultural land. The MPS organized public security authorities in Inner Mongolia, Liaoning, Jilin and Heilongjiang to carry out regional campaigns against criminal damage of black soil. The number of such cases solved this year has doubled compared to the same period last year, effectively protecting black soil, also known as the "giant panda in cultivated land." At the same time, we have continued to crack down on the manufacture and sale of counterfeit and substandard seeds, chemical fertilizers and pesticides and other agricultural input related crimes, filing and investigating over 160 criminal cases, and effectively ensuring agricultural production.
Next, the public security authorities will deeply practice the concept that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets, accelerate the establishment of an ecological policing mechanism led by public security departments and involving joint operations with relevant departments, conduct end-to-end crackdowns on illegal and criminal activities, comprehensively protect lucid waters and lush mountains, as well as support green development throughout the entire process, facilitating the Beautiful China Initiative by ensuring security. Thank you.
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Guangming Daily:
With the continuous improvement of living standards in rural areas, the demand for vehicles is also increasing. What measures have the MPS taken to improve transport management and better meet the needs of rural residents for vehicle use and convenient administrative services, and what progress has been made? Thank you.
Qi Yanjun:
Thank you. I would like to invite Mr. Wang to answer the questions.
Wang Qiang:
Thank you for your interest. With the comprehensive advancement of rural revitalization in recent years, the number of vehicles and drivers in rural areas has been growing rapidly at a rate in excess of 10 million a year. Currently, the number of motor vehicles and drivers in rural areas of China accounts for more than 50% of the national total. In order to better support the rural revitalization strategy, the MPS has instructed local public security authorities to further refine service measures, comprehensively extend traffic management services to rural areas, and better meet the needs of rural residents for convenient services.
First, we have further delegated traffic management duties to county-level authorities. Duties such as compact car registration and driver's license tests have been delegated to traffic management departments of county-level public security authorities at a faster rate. By the end of this July, 90% of counties and county-level cities nationwide have carried out compact car registration and 55% of them have carried out all-subject driver's license tests for compact cars. These efforts have significantly relieved the burden on rural residents who would have travelled back and forth to access these services. Meanwhile, we have further expanded the scope of duty for county-level vehicle administration offices. We have piloted registration services for medium-sized passenger cars and above in 174 county-level vehicle administration offices, providing residents with easy access to such service near their homes. At the same time, more efforts have been made to make county-level vehicle administration offices more standardized and better structured. We have improved facilities at county-level service centers, optimizing their service environment, implementing measures such as requiring no forms and copies at service windows and continuing to increase their service quality.
Considering the frequent usage of motorbikes in rural areas, we have further improved the management of the driver's license test for motorbikes. We have upgraded the question bank for the motorbike license test and increased scenario-based questions with pictures, making the test more practical and targeted. We have also put forward measures like test appointments and carrying out tests in rural areas to help people living in rural areas be able to take the test and receive driving licenses more conveniently near their homes.
In addition, considering the comparatively large number of traffic security risks in rural areas, we have focused on increasing the awareness and capabilities for people living in rural areas to proactively prevent such risks. Publicity and education are essential to further spread traffic security knowledge and enhance traffic civility throughout rural areas. Therefore, in recent years, we have taken further actions, such as publicity and education, to promote public awareness of road traffic security, compiling a brochure series of traffic security knowledge in rural areas. We have also worked with publicity departments, agriculture and rural affairs authorities, as well as other government organs, to launch the Beautiful Countryside Circuit Tour. By means of traffic security promotion wagons, experience camps, lectures and rural broadcasts, we have disseminated legal knowledge and protection tips involving traffic security among thousands of households throughout rural areas. By doing so, we have promoted the spread of law-based governance and traffic security knowledge in rural areas through multiple channels, influencing 430 million local people and strengthening public support for traffic civility. Thank you.
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Beijing Youth Daily:
We have noted that the MPS has launched summer crackdown campaigns to maintain law and order for three consecutive years. What are the arrangements for this year's summer campaign? What is the progress so far? Thank you.
Qi Yanjun:
I will answer these questions. In June 2022, taking regular patterns and characteristics of cases often found in summer into consideration, the MPS Party Committee deployed all public security organs across the country to carry out a "100-day campaign" to crack down on illegal and criminal activities while maintaining law and order. This campaign successfully safeguarded social security and stability during the summer, winning public appreciation and becoming a highlight of the public security organs' contribution to maintaining social stability and serving the people. As the reporter just mentioned, this is the third year for us to carry out the "summer campaign." Our aim is to safeguard the people's safety through efforts in maintaining law and order during the summer, so as to ensure high-quality development with a high level of security.
Since the start of this year's "summer campaign," all public security organs nationwide have comprehensively implemented combat, prevention, management, control and construction measures based on the integrated mechanism of "intelligence-command-action." So far, we have launched two rounds of centralized and unified inspections and publicizing activities during summer nights, addressing 491 cross-regional cases with long criminal chains and huge impacts, such as those involving pornography, gambling, drugs, food, medicine, the environment, telecom and online fraud as well as cybercrime. Through these efforts, the "summer campaign" has made clear progress, with many prominent criminal behaviors cracked down on in accordance with the law, emergency cases and accidents appropriately handled as well as risks and hidden dangers effectively eliminated. During the campaign, reported crimes and public security offenses received by the 110 hotline fell by 18.1% and 10.9%, respectively. During this year's "summer campaign," the MPS has used information technology to directly extract all data, easing the burden at the primary level and ensuring objectivity and truthfulness.
Next, the MPS will direct local public security organs to work according to their own summertime social security conditions, take stronger and more effective measures to crack down hard on all kinds of prominent illegal and criminal behaviors as well as make every effort to safeguard the people's safety and overall social stability. Continuous efforts will be made to make sure the "summer campaign" meets set targets and delivers concrete results. Thank you.
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Tide News:
The public is quite familiar with police stations. Whatever trouble occurs, people turn to police stations for help. Police stations are primary-level public security organs and a window that has more contact with the people. During the process of enhancing the urban and rural community governance system, how will you better leverage the role of police stations in serving the public? Thank you.
Qi Yanjun:
I would like to invite Mr. Qiu to answer this question.
Qiu Baoli:
This is indeed a pertinent question and I will answer it. Police stations are primary-level public security organs. Their police officers maintain the closest contact with residents and are most familiar with communities. In recent years, all urban and rural police stations have actively performed their duties in improving community governance, further promoting a community policing strategy in urban and rural areas as well as fully integrating with community self-governance and grid-based management. Relying on Party organizations at the community level, we have mobilized more than 23 million people in public participation in crime prevention and control, cultivated over 20,000 social organizations that help safeguard social security and carried out various safety activities, significantly promoting social harmony and stability at the grassroot level. Particularly, public security organs at ministerial and provincial levels have nominated 2,082 "Fengqiao-style police stations," applying and further developing the Fengqiao model for promoting community-level governance in the new era. Social disputes at the community level are numerous and wide ranging, accounting for more than 50% of reported cases received and handled by public security organs. Considering this, we have guided police stations to establish and improve mechanisms that align courts with police stations as well as station mediators and lawyers in police stations. By doing so, we have resolved social disputes through multiple channels and promoted comprehensive prevention and treatment of risks. As a result, more than six million cases of social disputes have been addressed annually, and more than 12 million requests for assistance from the public have been handled.
Going forward, the MPS will provide guidance for the public security organs nationwide to implement the guiding principles of the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, and carry out the three-year work plan for police stations nationwide to enhance their work. We will promote further collaboration between the police and the public, and improve the primary-level governance system in rural and urban areas. We will implement the "Police Officers Visit Households" campaign, and organize the "Five Prevention" community outreach campaign, which involves engaging with local communities to promote awareness and the prevention of theft, fraud, drug abuse, conflicts and disputes, and public security incidents. By doing so, we are able to better respond to public concerns, and reduce crime and cases in communities. In this way, the police and the public will work together to create a safe and secure environment. We will dedicate ourselves to building "Fengqiao-style police stations," adhering to the mass line guided by exemplary models. We will promote effective Fengqiao-style practices to proactively address conflicts and risks, provide services for residents in communities, and consolidate the foundation of primary-level governance. To achieve the full coverage of "one police officer responsible for one village (grid)," we will equip villages (or communities) with auxiliary police officers or police assistants, and develop it with grid-based management and public services in synergy to jointly improve primary-level governance. We will boost public participation in activities such as patrols, encouraging neighbors to look out for each other, offering help for those in need, and providing educational programs. By doing so, we aim to foster a community of social governance based on collaboration, participation and shared benefits. We will actively participate in primary-level governance, and deepen the reform of establishing one comprehensive command room and two teams of police officers working in communities and as law enforcers, advancing the construction of the fundamental management center, and improving the collaboration mechanism between police stations, specialized police units and primary-level organizations. By doing so, we will ensure that police stations perform their duties in a more standardized, regulated and professional manner. Moreover, we will encourage directors of police stations to be part of the leading groups of towns, townships and communities, and encourage community police officers to be part of the leading groups of villages and communities, so as to enable them to conduct proactive and preventive policing in communities. Thank you.
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China News Service:
The protection of intellectual property (IP) is crucial for high-quality development, and strictly protecting IP will encourage greater enthusiasm for scientific and technological innovation. What efforts have the public security organs made to crack down on infringements, counterfeiting and other illegal activities infringing on IP rights? What achievements have been made in this regard? Thank you.
Qi Yanjun:
Thank you for your questions. Mr. Li Jiantao, as the chairperson said previously, is director general of the Bureau of Environmental, Resource, Food and Drug Crime Investigation. He is also director general of the Bureau of Intellectual Property Crime Investigation. As such, I'd like to invite Mr. Li to answer this question.
Li Jiantao:
Thank you for your concern. In recent years, the public security organs nationwide have prioritized the protection of IP rights. We have organized the "Kunlun" series of special campaigns for six consecutive years to crack down on all kinds of crimes infringing on IP rights in accordance with the law, providing sound legal support for fostering new quality productive forces and promoting high-quality development. In June this year, the Bureau of Environmental, Resource, Food and Drug Crime Investigation of the MPS was given an additional title of the Bureau of Intellectual Property Crime Investigation in a bid to encourage the public security organs across the country to strengthen their professional teams, and provide more guidance for the endeavors to crack down on IP rights infringements. From January to July this year, public security organs across China have filed and investigated 21,000 cases of IP infringements and counterfeits. To be more specific, we have made efforts in the following aspects:
First, we have been firmly committed to the principle of strict measures in accordance with law. We have launched intensive crackdowns on violations of IP rights which the public are concerned about, including the production and sale of counterfeit goods, counterfeiting and piracy, so as to maintain a high level of deterrence against such crimes. Moreover, in order to meet the needs of sci-tech innovation and their industrial development, we have stepped up our efforts to combat infringements of commercial secrets and patent counterfeiting in the fields of new technologies, new industries and new business formats. Notably, we have intensified our efforts to tighten regulations on the filing of criminal cases related to infringements of commercial secrets, providing effective solutions to the pressing difficulties faced by some enterprises in reporting and collecting evidence for such types of cases.
As Mr. Qi said, we have upheld and fulfilled the commitments to the public and non-public sectors, and made optimizing the business environment a top priority, protecting the legitimate rights and interests of all businesses in a law-based and equitable manner. As such, we are able to help build a market-oriented, law-based and international business environment. We have been committed to proactive and preventive policing. Given the problem of weak self-protection awareness among some enterprises, we have promoted some experiences and practices, such as the practices of the Zhejiang police which have specifically designated police officers to deal with IP-related policing matters and the practices of the Changsha Public Security Bureau in Hunan province which set up work stations in enterprises to protect their IP. By doing so, we aim to intervene, detect and deal with infringement risks as early as possible, so as to help enterprises improve their self-protection capabilities.
IP protection is intertwined with a wide range of fields. As a result, we have attached great importance to inter-departmental coordination, so as to establish a collaborative work model that leverages professional expertise, mobilizes entire police forces, and fosters inter-departmental collaboration, and public participation. We have worked with departments responsible for IP, market regulation and copyright to enhance the connection between administrative law enforcement and criminal justice, and make joint efforts to launch crackdown campaigns. We have promoted the advanced experiences of Beijing's collaborative law enforcement mechanism, which combines the law enforcement forces of the public security organs and administrative departments, to ensure information sharing, joint analysis and decision-making, as well as mutual transfer of cases, so as to establish a collaborative governance mechanism.
In order to better fulfill our responsibilities for ensuring criminal protection of IP rights, we have been working to enhance our capabilities. This includes strengthening our foundational work in law enforcement systems, intelligence and investigative techniques. Therefore, a work system which is well-equipped to address practical matters has taken shape. Since last year, we have been actively promoting the practices of the Fujian Provincial Department of Public Security in setting up doctoral work stations to develop investigative techniques for IP protection. This has been helpful in strengthening professional and scientific research, and fostering specialized talents and top-notch investigation teams in different fields, which will improve our capabilities in overcoming difficulties. Thank you.
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Shou Xiaoli:
There are still many questions, but we will take two final questions due to time constraints.
Haibao News:
In recent years, the rapid development of social media and new media has made life more convenient but also accelerated the spread of rumors. These online rumors mislead the public, damage the reputations of individuals and businesses, and disrupt social order. How are public security departments combating this issue? Thank you.
Qi Yanjun:
Mr. Wang will answer this question.
Wang Qiang:
Thank you, I'll take this question. As the journalist suggests, the "attention economy" has significantly increased the scope, speed, frequency and impact of online rumors in recent years, along with their social harm. In response, the MPS has prioritized this issue, directing public security departments nationwide to conduct special operations to combat and rectify online rumors. I'd like to take this opportunity to share our progress in these efforts this year:
First, we have taken strong action against self-media operators who create rumors to attract followers and make illegal profits. So far this year, public security agencies have investigated over 22,000 cases related to online rumors, dealt with over 25,000 individuals involved in spreading rumors, shut down more than 160,000 illegal accounts, and removed over 1.32 million pieces of false information from the internet.
Second, we've focused on uncovering and cracking down on organized online activities. These include "internet water armies" and hordes of fake online accounts companies and celebrities use to inflate their social media followings or criticize rivals. We've also targeted multi-channel networks that manipulate and spread rumors for profit. We have investigated 623 cases and arrested 3,397 individuals involved in such activities.
Third, we have strongly emphasized debunking rumors through public awareness campaigns. We use various methods, including police briefings, press conferences, media reports, publishing typical cases, and hosting publicity events to raise public awareness. So far, we have made over 3,600 typical cases public.
Finally, we've strengthened comprehensive governance measures for website platforms. Using major rumor cases as starting points, we've identified and rectified vulnerabilities on websites and platforms. We've taken action against 1,036 platforms and conducted individual interviews with key platforms for further rectification to enhance governance and regulations. Thank you.
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China Central Television (CCTV):
According to the resolution made by the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, China will deepen international law enforcement cooperation in the realm of security, so as to protect the lawful rights and interests of Chinese citizens and legal entities overseas. How do public security authorities engage in this cooperation and contribute to global security governance? Thank you.
Qi Yanjun:
Thank you for your question. In recent years, the public security authorities have actively implemented the Global Security Initiative, strengthening cooperation with law enforcement agencies worldwide. We've established cooperation mechanisms with foreign law enforcement bodies and conducted joint operations to combat transnational crime. These efforts protect China's overseas interests and firmly safeguard our national sovereignty, security, and development interests. At the same time, we've also proposed new concepts and approaches for security governance to the international community. We're sharing our achievements and experiences in building the rule of law and advancing the Peaceful China Initiative, while actively participating in global public security governance. I would also like to highlight that from Sept. 8 to 10, the Conference of Global Public Security Cooperation Forum will be held in Lianyungang. The forum has garnered significant global attention, with many high-level participants from numerous countries, demonstrating its wide-reaching influence. Our continuous efforts to strengthen international law enforcement cooperation are evident in initiatives like our collaboration with the Myanmar police to combat telecom fraud in northern Myanmar. Through effective cooperation, Myanmar authorities have transferred 10 major telecom fraud ringleaders, including Bai Suocheng, to China. To date, more than 50,000 suspects involved in telecom fraud in northern Myanmar have been arrested. Additionally, we have launched joint operations to combat crimes in the "Golden Triangle" region, working closely with law enforcement agencies in Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and other countries to crack down on transnational crimes that affect Chinese interests.
Moving forward, public security authorities will focus on these four areas:
First, we will strengthen cooperation. We'll work to establish closer, more practical bilateral law enforcement partnerships with foreign counterparts, signing cooperation agreements, setting up liaison hotlines, and establishing regular meeting mechanisms. These efforts will lay a solid foundation for combating transnational crime and protecting China's legitimate overseas interests. We'll also constructively participate in multilateral law enforcement organizations such as the United Nations, Interpol, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and regional law enforcement bodies, contributing China's wisdom and solutions to global public security governance.
Second, we will intensify crackdowns on transnational crimes that are particularly harmful to the public, such as online gambling, telecom fraud, and other severe offenses like kidnapping, murder and gang crimes involving Chinese citizens abroad. We'll strengthen practical cooperation with foreign law enforcement agencies in investigating cases, exchanging evidence, and apprehending and repatriating suspects. By leveraging Interpol's resources, we will maintain a high-pressure stance against all forms of transnational crime affecting Chinese interests.
Third, we will enhance protection. We will coordinate closely with foreign law enforcement agencies to intensify the protection of Chinese institutions, personnel, and interests abroad. In European countries with a high concentration of Chinese tourists, we'll continue to conduct joint patrols with local law enforcement agencies. Additionally, we will collaborate with relevant departments to strengthen security training and risk assessments for Chinese enterprises overseas, improving their risk awareness and response capabilities.
Additionally, we actively participate in U.N. peacekeeping operations. Since the 19th CPC National Congress, the MPS has dispatched peacemaking police officers to seven U.N. mission areas and the U.N. headquarters. Chinese peacekeeping police have faithfully fulfilled their duties, strictly adhering to U.N. regulations and local laws. They've significantly contributed to peace and stability in mission areas, earning widespread praise. Thank you.
Shou Xiaoli:
Thank you, Mr. Qi and other speakers. Thank you to the friends from the media for attending this press conference. Today's conference is now concluded. Goodbye.
Qi Yanjun:
Thanks to the friends from the media for your interest in and support for our work. Thank you.
Translated and edited by Liu Sitong, Wang Wei, Xu Kailin, Li Huiru, Wang Ziteng, Huang Shan, Yang Chuanli, Li Xiao, Zhou Jing, Gong Yingchun, Yuan Fang, Guo Yiming, Ma Yujia, David Ball, Jay Birbeck, and Rochelle Beiersdorfer. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.
