According to confirmations from Solomon Islands officials and citizens to foreign media, China has exported its 'Fengqiao' rural surveillance model to this Pacific island nation. Chinese police are collecting fingerprints and data locally, aiming to curb social unrest.
The 'Fengqiao' rural surveillance model originated in the 1960s during the Mao Zedong era, specifically in Fengqiao Town, Zhuji City, Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province. The model was initially used to mobilize communities and suppress 'class enemies' seen as obstacles to progress. Now, Chinese President Xi Jinping has revived the model to ensure stability in local communities.
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and China’s Special Envoy for Pacific Island Countries based in Fiji did not respond to foreign media requests for comment.
Solomon Islands community leader Nihopala stated that the Fighter 1 village on the outskirts of the capital Honiara has begun cooperating with Chinese police on a pilot of this model, but he declined to comment further.
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force said in a statement this month that the Fengqiao 'grassroots governance' model in Fighter 1 village will involve collecting population data to improve security.
The statement said Chinese police have already promoted population management, household registration, community mapping, as well as fingerprint and palm print collection among local residents.