By Zhou Yizhou
　　
　　A Medal of Profound Significance
　　Dark, weathered skin has become the signature "Medal"for the police liaison team of China’s Ministry of Public Security. After over 190 days under the scorching equatorial sun, the members of the sixth batch of the Chinese police liaison team to the Solomon Islands completed their mission and returned to China. The marks on their bodies left by the sun serve as a vivid testament to their steadfast dedication to duty.
　　From the winding coastline of Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands, to the pristine rainforests of Malaita and Western Province; from dedicated community policing to advanced criminal investigation techniques; from the wholehearted sharing of policing skills to the heartfelt resonance of cultural exchange—the team members have left their footprints across mountains and seas, building bridges of friendship through professionalism and sincerity. Their efforts have transcended geographical and cultural divides, etching a legacy of equality, mutual trust, and shared commitment to peace into the history of China–Solomon Islands police cooperation.
　　Liu Shenghuang, leader of the team, noted that the team consistently upheld the guiding principles set forth by Wang Xiaohong, Minister of Public Security of the People’s Republic of China: "professionalism,efficiency, friendship "and "openess,transparency, goodwill." The team worked sincerely to ramp up capabilities of the Solomon Islands police.
　　The sixth batch stayed in the Soloman Islands for more than 190 days. The team collaborated closely with local officers, sharing hardships and mutual support. Their efforts not only elevated police cooperation but also forged deep bonds of friendship with the local police and communities.

　　Envoys of Friendship
　　The Solomon Islands in the southwestern Pacific near the equator has a land area of 28,400 square kilometers and comprises over 900 islands of varying sizes, with a population of more than 700,000. The country faces economic challenges, weak infrastructure, and complex geographical conditions, with communities scattered across mountainous and forested areas, leading to persistent shortages in police coverage for community security.
　　The severe social unrest in 2021 left the Solomon Islands’ security issues all the more pronounced. In some areas, no police presence had been recorded for over three years, sparking a general sense of insecurity. To address this, the Chinese police liaison team introduced the "Chinese grassroots policing model."Over more than six months, the team visited over 70 communities and 20 schools, conducted 57 community policing events, and actively promoted this model of grassroots governance, seamlessly integrating Chinese governance wisdom with the island nation’s practical realities.
　　Dong Jian, head of the operations team responsible for community policing, stated that the social structure and family values of the Solomon Islands share similarities with those of China, making the Chinese grassroots policing model an adaptable approach for the region.
　　In March 2025, the entire team arrived in Malaita province to embark on a policing mission in the mountainous region. Successive rains had turned the roads into treacherous mud pits, and basic services like water and electricity supplies were frequently cut off. Hardly had the team settled in improvised houses when they got down to work.
　　Sasafa, a remote community deep in the rainforests of northern Malaita—the country’s second most populous province—was home to over 2,000 people from five tribes. For years, no police had been present there. At 3 a.m., the team headed toward Sasafa through the relentless downpour. The humid rainforest, slippery trails, and fragile bridges made the journey tough . Some team members fell and scraped their arms on sharp rocks, while others had their clothes torn by thorns and their bodies caked in mud. But nothing could stop their determined progress. After over six grueling hours crossing two mountains and four knee-deep rivers, they reached the community.
　　When the weary, mud-caked team arrived, carrying heavy supplies, the tribe Chief was deeply moved. He ordered the sacred conch horn to be sounded from the mountaintop, welcoming them with the tribe’s highest honor. Despite their exhaustion, the team immediately got to work, holding safety lectures, training the community’s crime prevention committee, sharing the Chinese grassroots policing model, and donating uniforms and solar-powered equipment. The chief, visibly emotional, said, "We used to have a lot of misconceptions about the Chinese and saw them in a negative light. But what you’ve done has completely changed our perception. The Chinese aren’t talking the talk. Instead, they’re walking the walk."In Auki City, the team joined local police to visit three community schools. They conducted crime prevention outreach for over 1,000 students and teachers, and donated sports and educational supplies. The students and faculty greeted them with the school anthem. What a touching scene.
　　Stanley Riolo, the assistant commissioner of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, spoke with emotion: "The Chinese police liaison team lived and worked alongside us, scrimping and saving to support our police work. They trekked through rainforests and crossed rivers with us—something no other partner has ever done."Mostyn Mangau, the chief commissioner, stated: "The Chinese police liaison team is the first foreign force to reach the heart of Malaita province—they set an example for all partners!"The Malaita mission was met with high praise from both the Solomon Islands government and its people, sparking invitations from other provinces for police cooperation. In mid-April 2025, at the invitation of Western Province, the Chinese police team packed up and set out once again.
　　With the province scattered across numerous islands and the rainy season in full force, the team braved ocean winds and driving rain day after day to reach the remote communities. Over just five days, they visited six islands and more than 10 communities. Their uniforms—drenched in sweat and seawater—came to symbolize the team’s sincerity and commitment, leaving a powerful impression on both their Solomon Islands counterparts and local residents. Grateful communities described them as "messengers of friendship"and true friends and partners of the Solomon Islands.

　　A New Standard: More Professional, More Efficient, More Friendly
　　Amid ongoing political instability in the Solomon Islands, there were two no-confidence motions in Parliament during the police liaison team’s brief six-month deployment, all while public security remained a pressing concern. In recent years, new forms of crime have continued to emerge, yet the local police force has struggled to keep pace due to limited capacity, outdated equipment, and lagging technology. In response to these challenges, the team steadily expanded their training programs, providing comprehensive support tailored to the needs of the Solomon Islands police.
　　Zheng Wu, from the Criminal Investigation Technology Division of the Fuzhou Public Security Bureau in Fujian province, is a doctoral expert in forensic evidence analysis. He led his team in delivering three specialized criminal investigation training sessions for the Solomon Islands police. A total of 75 key officers received training in areas such as biological evidence analysis, crime scene investigation, cybercrime investigation, and anti-telecom fraud strategies. Each course was carefully crafted through extensive research and multiple rounds of deliberation, with every session preceded by a rigorous preparation process.
　　Team leader Liu repeatedly emphasized that the training wasn’t intended to be a one-way transfer of knowledge. Instead, it was rooted in the needs of the Solomon Islands police, following a learner-centered approach. The aim was not to provide immediate solutions, but to equip officers with the skills to find solutions themselves.
　　From curriculum design and internal discussions to case selection and even word choice, the instructors refined every detail—revising draft after draft—to ensure the material was both relevant to local realities and easily understood by frontline officers.
　　In the classroom, the team prioritized active engagement, using clear and practical methods to teach operational tactics. They conducted realistic scenario-based simulations to ensure that each training session delivered concrete improvements in the capabilities of the Solomon Islands police.
　　At the end of each training session, the highest praise came from the feedback they received from Solomon Islands police officers. "Your training really opened our eyes to so many new things. You’ve truly helped us—thank you so much!"Vickern, police director of Western Province, noted: "Among all international partners, you are the first to bring criminal investigation training to Western province. The sessions are highly practical and will significantly boost our capacity to combat modern crime."As the frontline force to navigate sudden emergencies, grassroots police officers have an even greater hunger for practical skills. "Most of the training from international partners goes to headquarters. Could you also provide tactical training for us on the ground? We really need it,"several officers told the training team during a field survey.
　　The team responded quickly, shifting their focus to grassroots-level training. Many of the officers had never received formal tactical instruction before—their movements were unpracticed, and techniques were unfamiliar. The instructors patiently demonstrated each move again and again, explaining key points in detail until the officers got it.
　　Long hours under the hot, humid conditions left the instructors drenched in sweat, hoarse from speaking, and sometimes lightheaded. But the local officers’ undivided attention and intense practice were motivating to the instructors. The latter’s professionalism and dedication endeared themselves to the trainees.
　　During a break, the officers spontaneously formed a line and broke into a bold, rhythmic war dance to express their gratitude, turning the intensive training into a powerful moment of camaraderie.
　　Over more than six months, the police liaison team—guided by the principles of being more professional, more efficient, and more friendly—conducted six training sessions for frontline officers from the Central police station, Guadalcanal province police, Malaita province police, and the Correctional Department’s rapid response team. The training covered a wide range of practical topics, including the use of police equipment, defensive control tactics, vehicle inspection procedures, crowd management, and explosive detection and security screening. In total, 179 officers were trained, leading to a marked improvement in grassroots policing skills.

　　From Skin to Soul: A Resonance Beyond Color
　　The team’s experience was marked not only by their darkened skin but also by their cultural confidence. Through Chinese tea, calligraphy, and cuisine, the police liaison team has built a bridge of cultural connection between the two nations.
　　Tea, a symbol of peace, serves as a medium for the police liaison team to showcase the Eastern wisdom of "harmony in diversity.""Tea is not just a Chinese beverage; it is a cultural symbol of courtesy and sincerity, fostering friendship and mutual trust,"said Zheng, who hails from Fujian’s tea region and has a deep understanding of Chinese tea culture.
　　At a cultural exchange event, he eloquently shared the spiritual essence of the Chinese tea ceremony: harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. The fragrant aroma during the tea ceremony performance allowed Solomon Islands police and their families to feel the heartwarming Eastern value of "harmonious coexistence,"vividly embodying President Xi Jinping’s "tea diplomacy”.
　　Officer Han Mingjiu, a member of the Liaoning Province Calligraphers Association, beams with pride over his calligraphy, which has been collected by prominent figures in the Solomon Islands such as Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Minister of Finance.
　　During the 2025 Spring Festival, Prime Minister Manele welcomed the police liaison team and invited Han to create a calligraphy piece. With graceful, flowing strokes, Han penned a Chinese phrase echoing the sentiment: "We are all part of one human family, bound by true friendship and mutual respect that know no borders."His bold script earned widespread admiration from all present.
　　At a diplomatic event hosted by the Chinese embassy, Han’s calligraphy was eagerly sought after and warmly received. In remote schools, he introduced children to the art of brushwork, with each stroke reflecting the richness of Chinese culture. At cultural exchange events, he became the center of attention with crowds gathering around his calligraphy table, captivated and reluctant to leave.
　　His works were cherished not only by government officials and locals, but also by Chinese residents in the Solomon Islands, whose requests he warmly fulfilled. More than just art, his calligraphy has become a cultural bridge, bringing the peoples of China and the Solomon Islands closer together.
　　Dumplings, symbolizing reunion, prosperity, and inclusivity, also serve as a cultural bridge for the police liaison team. The team frequently organizes small gatherings, inviting Solomon Islands police to join in making dumplings and sharing their cultural significance. The collaborative process of rolling dough, preparing fillings, and shaping dumplings became a bonding experience, deepening friendships amid laughter and joy.
　　Over more than six months, the police liaison team organized 11 cultural exchange events, including Solomon Islands Police Family Day, Chinese People’s Police Day, and Spring Festival celebrations, promoting mutual cultural understanding between the two nations.
　　Liu, head of the team, remarked: "Law enforcement cooperation goes beyond technical support. It is about the deep integration of cultures and shared values. The Chinese police liaison team is committed to strengthening cultural exchange with our counterparts in the Solomon Islands, building lasting connections, and advancing bilateral police cooperation."

　　From Friends to Family
　　The police liaison team gives equal importance to law enforcement cooperation and emotional connection according to Minister Wang Xiaohong’s detail-driven approach that calls for building trust through thoughtful attention to detail and fostering goodwill through genuine kindness.
　　The little daughter of Mangau, the chief commissioner, had been battling a long-term illness. In response, the Chinese police liaison team visited the family multiple times, working closely with the accompanying Chinese medical aid team to provide acupuncture and massage treatments. They also arranged for rehabilitation equipment to be purchased from China to augment her physical therapy. Thanks to the continuous care from successive visiting police teams, the girl has been in remission, a tremendous relief of the Mangau family.
　　This warmth extended beyond the Solomon Islands to a training program held in China. One moment left a lasting impression on the Solomon Islands police media officer: His Chinese counterparts noticed his worn-out sneakers and quietly ordered him a new pair through an e-commerce platform. Finding the unexpected gift was such a good fit, he was visibly moved and said, "I didn’t expect them to be so thoughtfully."The experience also transformed his understanding of China: "This training opened my eyes. I realized that some international reports about China are completely false. China not only shows professionalism and sincerity in police cooperation, but also sets a model for global development through the Belt and Road Initiative’s meaningful actions."Director Steve had a similar story. His child fell ill while he was training in China, and his wife had to care for their children alone. The police liaison team visited his sick son with gifts and arranged a video call with his wife, who was moved to tears upon seeing her husband’s concerned face on the screen.
　　On the birthday of Guadalcanal Police Chief Kumar, the team prepared a special surprise. They presented him with a cake adorned with the police emblems of China and the Solomon Islands , an unexpected gesture that touched Kumar deeply. The usually stern police chief’s voice choked with emotion as he gently touched the cake’s intricate decorations: "I haven’t celebrated my birthday for years. I didn’t expect the team to remember."That moment turned the otherwise forgotten birthday into one of Kumar’s warmest memory.
　　These seeming trivialities are like the warm currents of the South Pacific, melting the cold distance of geography and turning the phrase "standing together through thick and thin"into more than just diplomatic rhetoric—it becomes genuine comfort and timely care. The Chinese police liaison team show that true friendship isn’t defined by grand gestures, but by a helping hand.
　　Chief commissioner Mangau has publicly stated multiple times that the relationship between the Solomon Islands police and the liaison team has evolved from "friendship"to "family."

　　More Secure, More Supported
　　The Solomon Islands currently has over 6,000 overseas Chinese. But the shadow of the 2021 riots lingers, and the local Chinese community has long grappled with safety concerns and an urgent need for protection of property and personal rights. With the arrival of successive Chinese police teams, the situation has fundamentally changed.
　　The sixth Chinese police team addressed the capacity gaps of the local police by establishing a systematic criminal investigation training framework. From analyzing a speck of dust at a crime scene to tracing digital footprints, the team imparted the essence of modern investigative techniques, unsparing. Beyond teaching specific case-solving skills, they introduced the advanced concept of "police-community co-governance."
　　Through multiple community policing activities alongside the Solomon Islands police, they strengthened ties with the public, extending the reach of investigations and significantly improving the local police’s information-gathering capabilities. The team’s expertise earned high recognition, leading the Solomon Islands’ Crime Prevention Bureau, Traffic Management Bureau, Prosecution Bureau, Central Police Station, and Guadalcanal Province Police Bureau to establish dedicated liaison roles for the Chinese team. Their guidance in criminal investigations greatly enhanced the local police’s case-solving abilities.
　　On the afternoon of May 30, Lin, a staff member at the Chinese aid-funded Fiji Mushroom Grass Technology Center, was robbed while conducting a community survey in Honiara, Solomon Islands. The assailants took a laptop containing critical data, $2,500 USD, and 300 Fijian dollars. After reporting the incident to the Central Police Station, the victims received immediate support from the Chinese police liaison team, who worked through the night with local police to analyze the case and track leads, ultimately locating the suspect.
　　In the early hours of May 31, drawing on the strong community relationships built through previous policing efforts, the Chinese team and local officers, with the help of a community leader, successfully apprehended the suspect and recovered the stolen items. The victims, who had been preparing to depart that same afternoon and had little expectation of retrieving their belongings, were deeply grateful for the swift resolution.
　　They later sent a heartfelt message: "We’re truly thankful to the Chinese police liaison team in the Solomon Islands for stepping in when we needed help protecting our property. Even though we’re far from home, we’ve felt the warmth and care of our motherland — and the professionalism and strength of the Chinese police. Thank you for everything you’ve done!"Over the past six months, thanks to the professional training and on-the-ground guidance provided by the Chinese police team, the Solomon Islands police have successfully solved over 60 cases—including 15 involving Chinese nationals—recovering economic losses totaling more than 140,000 yuan. These results have led to tangible improvements: Chinese shop owners now feel safe operating at night, and Chinese enterprises have gained greater confidence in expanding their activities. Among the overseas Chinese community, a common sentiment has taken root: "The police liaison team’s arrival is reassuring and supportive."From having "no one to turn to"to "someone to rely on,"from "living in fear"to "feeling secure,"the Chinese community in the Solomon Islands have felt the intangible shield of the police liaison teams—from the first to the sixth. As the neon lights of Chinese shops once again brighten Honiara’s night sky, they reflect not only renewed commercial vitality but also the unwavering commitment of the motherland to protect its people abroad.

　　Building a Solid Foundation of a Community with a Shared Future
　　In July 2024, President Xi Jinping, meeting with Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, emphasized that China’s friendly cooperation with Pacific island nations like the Solomon Islands is driven by a sincere desire to support their development, without targeting third parties or seeking selfish gains. China pledged continued support within its capacity, while enhancing coordination in multilateral platforms like the United Nations and the Pacific Islands Forum to safeguard the collective interests of developing nations.
　　In September 2024, during the third China-Pacific Island Countries Ministerial Dialogue on Law Enforcement Capacity and Police Cooperation, Minister Wang Xiaohong expressed to senior law enforcement officials from South Pacific nations that China is committed to working together under the enduring theme of "making cooperation more professional, efficient, and friendly, and making island nations safer."This aims to build more professional law enforcement teams and foster a closer China-Pacific island countries community with a shared future.
　　On the fifth Chinese People’s Police Day in January 2025, Solomon Islands chief commissioner Mangau sent a congratulatory letter to China’s Ministry of Public Security, expressing gratitude for long-term support in building their local police capacity and eagerness to deepen future police cooperation for greater outcomes.
　　In April 2025, chief commissioner Mangau and his wife visited China. They were received by executive vice minister Qi Yanjun and vice minister Wang Zhizhong. Both sides exchanged views on China-Solomon Islands relations and law enforcement cooperation, reaching a broad consensus. Mangau proposed elevating the police cooperation from a "friendship"level to a "family"level.
　　On May 20, 2025, the sixth batch of the Chinese police liaison team returned home with honors after completing their mission, while the seventh team arrived in the Solomon Islands. This team, including a national Sanda champion, a cybercrime investigation expert, and a new media specialist, will build on the valuable experience of the previous six teams to further strengthen China-Solomon Islands police cooperation and contribute to regional safety and stability.
　　From enhancing professional skills to deepening cultural understanding, from bridging differences to forging heartfelt connections, the Chinese police liaison teams vividly embody the spirit of international police cooperation in the new era which is rooted in joint construction and shared governance. Their actions reflect the deeper meaning of a community with a shared future for mankind: true security cooperation arises from genuine mutual respect and sincere dialogue between civilizations.■
　　
　　（ Translated by Wei Dong ）