China Exports Surveillance Technology and Policing Methods

Chinese police officers deployed under a security agreement in the Solomon Islands collected fingerprints, palm prints, names, addresses, and birth dates from residents of one village. The officers responded after local residents reported disturbances involving young men. The data collection followed a community surveillance model revived under current Chinese leadership.

China has expanded its use of surveillance cameras and data systems to monitor citizens and assign social and political scores. The systems combine older neighborhood reporting practices with newer technology.

The same methods are now being shared with other governments through security arrangements.