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China Exports Fengqiao Surveillance Model to Solomon Islands
The pilot uses fingerprint and population data collection to enhance security in multi-ethnic communities, addressing lawlessness and social unrest, with plans to expand nationwide, officials said.
China has introduced its Fengqiao community monitoring approach to the Solomon Islands, launching a pilot program this month in the Fighter 1 area near the capital, Honiara.
This development came after Solomon Islands signed a security agreement with China in 2022, following anti-government unrest in 2021 that was partly driven by opposition from Malaita politicians to the country's decision to change diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to Beijing.
The Fengqiao model employs a grid system where local managers oversee clusters of households to maintain social stability and gather demographic information aimed at enhancing public safety.
Chinese police inspector Lin Jiamu called the Fighter 1 initiative a first attempt that will expand, while opposition politician Peter Kenilorea criticized it as infringing constitutional rights without parliamentary approval.
The export of this model raises human rights concerns and may challenge traditional village governance, as some residents report rising lawlessness and rapid social order deterioration.