Global forum rejects politicization of Iran’s public security
By Delaram Ahmadi
Staff writer
The Global Public Security Cooperation Forum opposes the politicization and instrumentalization of the Iranian people’s public security as a means of exerting influence on the country, the forum’s chairman said.
“Security, stability and prosperity are common aspirations and I think we owe that to the Iranian people, and they should be able to enjoy these. And that is why this forum opposes unilateral action,” Tsang Wai-hung told Iran Daily at a press briefing following the 2026 Conference of the Global Public Security Cooperation Forum, held in China on September 9-10.
The remarks came as the Iranian people face not only military threats following the US-Israeli joint aggression in February, but also economic pressure that threatens their financial security.
The US has imposed a naval blockade to obstruct Iran’s international trade while continuing to impose sanctions, including secondary sanctions targeting countries that do business with Tehran.
Wai-hung stressed the need for multilateralism in international affairs and for a reassessment of the international order, particularly when it comes to conflict responses.
“We are against unilateralism and we encourage cooperation based on mutual benefits and mutual respect,” he said.
He noted that the forum is an open and inclusive platform bringing together countries from both the Global North and Global South, and expressed hope that participants could make good use of it to address Iran’s crisis.
China hosts global public security conference
The fifth Conference of the Global Public Security Cooperation Forum opened in Lianyungang, China, on September 9, bringing together participants from more than 100 countries, including Iran.
Held under the annual theme “Unite to Advance Public Security Governance, Bring Stability to a Turbulent World,” the conference, hosted by the China Association for Friendship, brought together more than 2,100 participants from 139 countries, regions and international organizations.
Participants represented a broad range of geographical regions and professional backgrounds, including governments, international organizations, major enterprises, professional think tanks, universities and research institutions, as well as embassies and consulates in China.
During the conference, participants shared their perspectives and held in-depth discussions on the theme, addressing concerns of the international community.
Eight sub-forums were also held alongside the conference, covering migration management cooperation, international drug control cooperation, international counter-terrorism cooperation, cybersecurity, public security technology and equipment, international police education cooperation, tourism security, and international security services.
Wai-hung stressed the significance of this year’s edition, as profound changes unseen in a century are accelerating.
“Amid intertwined turbulence and pervasive uncertainties, this Conference has brought greater stability to cooperation in global public security,” he said.
The Global Public Security Cooperation Forum was established in 2015 on the initiative of China’s Ministry of Public Security in Lianyungang City. It serves as a platform for promoting law enforcement and security cooperation for global economic development through innovative thinking and pragmatic measures.
Iran joins international alliance against cyber fraud
On September 10, the inaugural Conference of the International Alliance Combating Telecom and Cyber Fraud was also held at the same venue.
Representatives from 46 founding countries and 34 observer countries, including Iran, as well as four international organizations, including the United Nations and INTERPOL, gathered to witness the launch.
At the conference, representatives of China and the Alliance’s initiating and founding countries, including Vietnam, Laos, Kenya, Cambodia, Pakistan and Russia, delivered speeches, while an INTERPOL representative delivered congratulatory remarks.
All parties issued a joint statement recognizing telecom and cyber fraud as a growing global threat and stressing the need for an international organization to coordinate efforts to combat such crimes and protect citizens’ rights and security.
Public security technology on display
The third Public Security Tech Expo was also held alongside the event.
The expo opened on September 8 under the theme “Technology Empowers, Cooperation for Win-Win” and ran for five days, with more than 100 enterprises in the public security and police equipment sectors presenting their products.
The expo featured several exhibition zones, including an equipment technology zone, an overseas security service solutions zone, a comprehensive equipment export services zone and a vehicle display zone.
The event showcased China’s achievements in the development of modern police technology and equipment, as well as integrated solutions for the export of public security equipment.
In addition, six specialized police-sector zones were set up to demonstrate the latest practical outcomes of technology-empowered policing through scenario-based and specialized solutions.