Public security tech expo showcases innovation, global cooperation

From robotic systems and aerial equipment to tools that can speed up crime-scene investigations, a public security technology expo in East China's Jiangsu province is showcasing how new technologies are being applied to public security governance.

The third Public Security Tech Expo opened Wednesday in Lianyungang, Jiangsu. Hosted by the First Research Institute of the Ministry of Public Security, the five-day event is themed "Technology Empowers, Win-Win Cooperation."

Covering more than 13,000 square meters, the expo has attracted more than 100 companies in public security and police equipment. It includes areas for equipment and technology, overseas security solutions, export services and vehicles, as well as six specialized police sections showcasing scenario-based applications.

Tsang Wai-hung, chairman of the Global Public Security Cooperation Forum (Lianyungang), said the expo is not simply a venue for business transactions, but a platform built around real public security challenges.

Law enforcement agencies can identify technologies and solutions matching their operational needs, while companies can better understand problems faced by frontline officers and develop more targeted applications, he said.

Tsang said technology should be viewed as part of police capacity building. Human judgment remains indispensable and officers cannot be replaced entirely by machines, but technology can quickly strengthen policing capabilities, particularly in areas facing manpower shortages or difficult operating environments.

Hamish McCardle, a former assistant commissioner of New Zealand Police, said he was struck by the range of technologies on display.

Having worked on serious crime investigations, McCardle said he was particularly interested in tools capable of rapidly identifying or collecting evidence at crime scenes.

Such technologies could significantly shorten investigation times and improve effectiveness, he said.

McCardle also highlighted China's 12 local police dog breeds on display, which can be trained for different specialized police tasks, as well as a demonstration based on a real jewelry store robbery investigated by Jiangsu police.

In the case, police integrated artificial intelligence and other technologies into the investigation, greatly improving the efficiency of the police.

"China has a large number of top technology experts and is at the forefront of applying these technologies," McCardle said, adding that bringing police officers from different countries to such exhibitions allows them to learn from one another's experience.

Mohamed Higazy, advisor to Egypt's Minister of Local Development for international cooperation and former assistant foreign minister, said he was impressed by technologies that could also be relevant to Egypt and other countries in the Global South.

What matters, he said, is not only China's ability to develop advanced technology but also its willingness to share technologies and practical experience with partners.

For Global South countries facing public security challenges, access to appropriate technology can help strengthen their ability to address practical problems, Hegazy said.

During the expo, equipment demonstrations, product launches and procurement discussions will also be held, connecting Chinese companies and research institutions with foreign government departments, international organizations and experts.

First held in 2024, the expo has gradually developed into an international platform for showcasing and exchanging public security technologies and equipment, with organizers seeking to translate technological innovation into stronger public security capabilities through wider international cooperation.