Law enforcement in China
Law enforcement in the People's Republic of China consists of an extensive public security system and a variety of enforcement procedures. Along with the courts and procuratorates, the country's judicial and public security agencies include the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of State Security, with their descending hierarchy of departments, bureaus, subbureaus, and stations.
Hong Kong and Macau have separate law enforcement agencies, different legal systems, and are classified as separate jurisdictions under the one country, two systems framework. However, the Hong Kong Police Force and Public Security Police Force often cooperate with the mainland MPS on cases involving cross border crime.
Overview
The national security system is made up of the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of State Security, the People's Armed Police, the People's Liberation Army, and the state judicial, procuratorial, and penal systems. The Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission vets all law enforcement officers and legal officials for political reliability.The Ministry of Public Security oversees all domestic police activity in China. The ministry is responsible for police operations and detention centers and has dedicated departments for internal political, economic, and communications security. The Ministry of State Security was established in 1983 to ensure "the security of the state through effective measures against enemy agents, spies, and counterrevolutionary activities designed to sabotage or overthrow China's socialist system." The Ministry of Justice maintains oversees the operation of prisons.