A 17-member Force delegation, headed by Director of Personnel and Training Chau Kwok-leung, visited Beijing and Tianjin for six days from March 17 to 22 at the invitation of the Ministry of Public Security (MPS). The purpose of the visit was to enhance the delegates' understanding of the policing and security developments on the Mainland.
Mr Xu Qinggang, Deputy Director General of Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs Office of the MPS, welcomed the delegation, which comprised 12 expatriate officers, with a networking session on the opening night of the visit, where a wide range of policing issues were discussed, including operations, training and personnel development.
On the first day of the visit, the delegates called at the Beijing Police College, where they were welcomed by the Director of the college, Ms Chai Yanru, and the Deputy Director, Mr Song Peiyuan.
In an evening reception, the Director of Personnel and Training Department, Mr Huang Runcheng, emphasised the close co-operation between the Public Security Bureau (PSB) and the Force.
The second day saw the delegates escorted around Tiananmen Square and the Temple of Heaven. In the evening, the delegates visited the Gong An University and were welcomed by the Deputy Principal, Mr Sun Jianguo. Following a tour of the university and discussions on the extensive training exchanges that had taken place between the Force and the Mainland since 2001, the delegates had cultural exchanges with their host.
The next day, the delegation left for Tianjin via a high-speed rail network, with the 117-kilometre journey covered in 30 minutes and speed reaching almost 300 kilometres per hour. On arrival, the delegates toured the Tianjin City Planning Department, which showcases this visionary high-tech eco-city. During a visit to the Tianjin Municipal PSB Special Police Corps, the delegates watched a martial arts demonstration.
On the last day of the visit, the delegation watched the Tianjin Nan Kai District Fire Division of the China People's Armed Police demonstrate use of equipment and fire-fighting techniques.
The delegates viewed their duty visit to Beijing and Tianjin as a good opportunity to meet with their Mainland counterparts and gain an insight into the Mainland's history, culture, economic developments and, most importantly, the policing environment.