Global public security cooperation forum to be held in Lianyungang

The 2026 Global Public Security Cooperation Forum is set to take place in Lianyungang, Jiangsu province, from Sept 8 to 10. This event will bring together law enforcement officials, international organizations, and experts to enhance cooperation in tackling increasingly transnational and technology-driven security threats.

The fifth edition of the forum will revolve around the theme "unite to advance public security governance, bring stability to a turbulent world", as announced by organizers during a media briefing in Beijing on Tuesday. The opening ceremony is scheduled for Sept 9, followed by a main forum and a series of subforums.

Chen Siyuan, chairman of the China Association for Friendship, emphasized that global public security challenges have become more interconnected, cross-border, and diverse. Major threats include telecom and online fraud, terrorism, and drug-related crimes. Additionally, emerging risks involving artificial intelligence and data security are on the rise, with criminals increasingly utilizing virtual currencies, the dark web, encrypted communications, and drones.

In response, Chen stated that the forum aims to foster dialogue, practical cooperation and capacity building among governments, law enforcement agencies, social organizations, businesses, and research institutions.

Since 2022, the forum has hosted over 5,000 representatives from governments, international organizations, and social groups, alongside experts and scholars. More than 30 subforums, seminars, and roundtables have been held, addressing issues such as counterterrorism, drug control, tourism security, and drone safety.

The forum has also facilitated cooperation in law enforcement training and security capacity building. Chinese police have collaborated with counterparts from other countries and regions under the forum's framework to combat telecommunications fraud and drug crimes, Chen noted.

This year's forum will feature eight subforums covering topics such as migration management, international drug control, counterterrorism, cybersecurity, public security technology and equipment, police education, tourism security, and international security services. Most sessions will be held in Lianyungang from Sept 8 to 10, while the tourism security session will take place in Sanya, Hainan province, on Sept 12.

Participants are expected to include senior law enforcement officials, representatives from the United Nations and Interpol, diplomats, former government and law enforcement officials, and international experts. The forum is also expected to release the Global Public Security Index Report (2025-26) and its annual report for the same period.

Alongside the forum, China's Ministry of Public Security will convene the inaugural meeting of an international alliance against telecom and online fraud. Initiated by the Chinese government, this proposed intergovernmental organization will unite law enforcement authorities from participating countries to enhance coordination in combating telecom fraud and related crimes.

Additionally, a public security tech expo will be held in Lianyungang from Sept 7 to 11. Yu Bing, deputy director of the First Research Institute of the Ministry of Public Security, stated that over 100 Chinese companies specializing in public security and police equipment will participate. The exhibition will showcase equipment and technology, overseas security services, export support services, an Interpol section, and vehicles, while also featuring equipment demonstrations, product launches, and procurement meetings.

Yu highlighted that the event is designed to promote exchanges between Chinese companies and research institutions and overseas government departments, international organizations, and experts, while exploring broader cooperation in public security technology.