On April 9, 2015, in Beijing, State Councilor and Minister of Public Security of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) Guo Shengkun and U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson met for the first time to discuss homeland security and law enforcement cooperation. Secretary Johnson and Minster Guo held a candid and in-depth exchange of ideas regarding the enhancement of cooperation on topics of mutual interest and concern. Secretary Johnson and Minister Guo affirmed their commitment to, and importance of, bilateral homeland security and law enforcement cooperation between the United States and the People’s Republic of China.
Both sides believe that this ministerial meeting and regular engagement between the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are essential to ensure the growth and development of a productive homeland security and law enforcement relationship. The leaders commended U.S.-China law enforcement cooperation in recent years, including through the U.S.-China Joint Liaison Group on Law Enforcement Cooperation and, in coordination with other relevant law enforcement agencies, decided to continue to take steps to combat transnational organized crime through that mechanism. Secretary Johnson and Minister Guo mutually committed to manage disagreements constructively and promote a productive U.S.-China relationship. Their discussions resulted in the following specific outcomes and areas for further cooperation.
Counterterrorism Cooperation
Secretary Johnson and Minister Guo decided to conduct international counterterrorism cooperation on the basis of relevant United Nations resolutions and international agreements. Both sides intend to increase information sharing on the cross-border movement of foreign terrorist fighters through appropriate international databases. Using fora such as the U.S.-China Joint Liaison Group on Law Enforcement Cooperation, the U.S.-China Counterterrorism Dialogue, and engagements between MPS and DHS, both sides are working to promote communication and coordination to counter the global threat of terrorism, within a framework that provides appropriate protection for civil rights and civil liberties.
Cooperation on Repatriation and Fugitive Issues
Both sides affirmed their commitment to work closely, along with other relevant law enforcement agencies, to improve information sharing on repatriation and fugitive cases and provide regular status updates on cases of interest for which sufficient evidence is provided. The Ministry of Public Security intends to closely cooperate to verify expeditiously the identities of illegal immigrants and facilitate their return. The two participants further acknowledged that neither country should serve as a safe haven for fugitives, and that each intends to endeavor to effectuate removals of such individuals within the bounds of their respective laws.
Law Enforcement Cooperation regarding Intellectual Property Cases
Secretary Johnson and Minister Guo decided to increase targeted enforcement of intellectual property cases by increasing information sharing among both U.S. and Chinese law enforcement authorities to increase seizures, target the source of illicit goods, and minimize the ability of transnational criminal organizations to produce and distribute counterfeit goods.
Stemming Proliferation of Improvised Explosive Devices and Precursor Chemicals
Recognizing the shared interest in countering the threat posed by improvised explosive devices to international security, both sides intend to increase information sharing and investigative cooperation to stem proliferation of illicit precursor chemicals and improvised explosive devices.
Maritime Law Enforcement in the Asia-Pacific
Both sides welcomed the deepening of maritime law enforcement cooperation in order to promote maritime stability in the North Pacific and Asia-Pacific regions. The U.S. Coast Guard and China Coast Guard recognize the importance of abiding by internationally-recognized standards of behavior and are committed to behavior that maximizes safety at sea, promotes professional operations, and reinforces international cooperation and trust among maritime law enforcement agencies.
Increasing Cyber Cooperation
Building upon the recognized need for increased dialogue, Secretary Johnson and Minister Guo intend to establish cyber discussions between DHS and the Ministry of Public Security, in coordination with other relevant agencies, to achieve concrete cooperation and set a path to reestablishing a full government to government cyber dialogue. DHS and the Ministry of Public Security, also in coordination with other relevant law enforcement agencies, further agreed to focus on cross-border, cyber-enabled crime including online child sexual exploitation, money laundering, and counter proliferation of weapons.