The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) wishes to respond to recent media reports that have raised questions about the Solomon Island (SI)-China Police Cooperation Model Community with the China Police Liaison Team (CPLT).
It is important to clarify the facts and to reaffirm that these initiatives are designed by RSIPF and aligned with the Crime Prevention Strategy to enhance the safety and well-being of our communities and welcomed by them.
1.Β Β Β Β Understanding the βFengqiao Experienceβ
The βFengqiao Experienceβ is not about surveillance or coercion but a grassroots governance model created over 60 years ago in Zhejiang Province, China. Its essence is βrelying on the community to resolve disputes locally.β In China, this model has enabled communities to strengthen self-governance, support police to maintain public order, and promote the livelihood and well-being of communities.
In SI, the RSIPF and CPLT are localizing this approach through the Crime Prevention Committee (CPC). This committee works with residents to manage population records, organize safety patrols, mediate disputes, and prevent domestic violence. The result is not external control but a community-driven system that reflects both international best practices and our local realities.
2.Β Β Β Β Ownership and Use of Population Data
All population information was collected transparently based on the own will of local residents, and it is jointly owned and managed by RSIPF and the community organizations (CPC). Data is updated regularly and used responsibly to assist law enforcement and community services. It is neither transferred abroad nor controlled by any foreign authority.
3.Β Β Β Β Benefits of Population Information
The program shifts policing from reactive response to proactive prevention, with tangible benefits for our people:
β’ Emergency services: If every household is accurately mapped, it can help faster police response, rescue operations, medical assistance, and fire servicesβsaving lives and property.
β’ Crime prevention: Reliable records help detect hidden criminal activities and allow targeted interventions, reducing crime rates.
β’ Policy support: Accurate data supports better allocation of education, healthcare, and other government resources, contributing to fair development.
4.Β Β Β Β Respect for Democracy and Customary Values
The RSIPF and CPLT have consistently engaged with community leaders and families through visits, dialogues, and collaborative decision-making. This ensures that local culture, traditions, and values are respected. Far from undermining democracy, the program strengthens it by giving communities greater voice and responsibility in maintaining peace and order.
Our society values strong family ties, community cohesion, and collective responsibility. These principles align closely with the core of the βFengqiao Experience,β which emphasizes mediation, prevention, and harmony. The SI-China Police Cooperation Model Community, therefore, is not an imposition but a culturally compatible adaptation aimed at building safer and more resilient neighborhoods.
Conclusion
The RSIPF reiterates that this initiative is an RSIPF-led effort, supported by our international partners, and firmly rooted in our commitment to safeguard peace, uphold justice, and promote community well-being. We call on the public and the media to view this program as a constructive step toward a more secure, fair, and harmonious Solomon Islands.
