China assists SA with BRICS Summit security amid Putin arrest warrant

China has assured South Africa security support for the BRICS summit in August amid controversy over Russian President Vladimir Putin’s possible attendance while an international warrant is out for his arrest.

CHINA WAS WILLING TO WORK WITH SA TO STRENGTHEN THE SECURITY OF THE BRICS SUMMIT

According to a report by South China Morning Post during a meeting with South African Police Minister Bheki Cele in Beijing on Thursday, Public Security Minister Wang Xiaohong said China was willing to work with South Africa to “strengthen the security” of the BRICS summit.

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Meanwhile, police ministry spokesperson Lirandzu Themba said General Bheki Cele has successfully wrapped up a five-day official visit to the People’s Republic of China.

THE TWO MINISTERS REFLECTED ON SECURITY PREPARATIONS

“Minister Cele led a delegation of senior officials from the South African Police Service (SAPS) headed by the Deputy National Commissioner of the SAPS, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili.

“The official visit to the People’s Republic of China saw the South African and Chinese police delegations discuss, among other policing matters, the strengthening of China-South Africa practical law-enforcement cooperation and collaboration.”

Lirandzu Themba

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PRESIDENT XI JINPING WILL JOIN OTHER HEADS OF STATE AD ATTEND THE SUMMIT IN AUGUST

Themba said the two Ministers reflected on security preparations for the 15th BRICS summit to be hosted in Johannesburg, where President Xi Jinping will join other heads of state and attend the summit in August.

“High on the agenda of the fruitful engagement was the establishment of a formal and rigorous policing exchange program of personnel capabilities and training between the two countries.”

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COLLABORATION TO DEAL WITH VIOLENT CRIMES IN SA ALSO FEATURED HIGH ON THE AGENDA

She furthermore said transnational and environmental crimes, the collaboration to deal with violent crimes in South Africa through technological interventions, and the safety of nationals residing in both countries also featured high on the agenda.

“We have no doubt that the fruitful security and safety discussions on this trip will be cemented and put into action in the shortest possible time. While we share a rich history with China and have had several cooperations with our law enforcement over the years, we are encouraged by the new avenues being explored to boost South African techniques in law enforcement with our Chinese counterparts.”

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THE DELEGATION NOTED THE COUNTRY’S POLICE STATION MODELS

Themba said Cele and the South African delegation also, throughout the week in the People’s Republic, visited police stations in Shenzhen, Beijing and Shanghai.

“The delegation noted the country’s police station models, which serve as one-stop service centre points for residents promoting transparency and an open-door policy between police and the communities they serve.”

Lirandzu Themba