BEIJING - China's Ministry of Public Security has reported a significant year-on-year drop in gun and explosive-related crimes, with cases dropping by 25.8 percent so far this year compared to the same period in 2023.
The decline follows the launch of a coordinated, three-year nationwide crackdown on firearm and explosives offenses that began last year, according to the ministry's press conference held on Thursday.
The initiative has seen collaboration from multiple government departments and local agencies to curb illegal arms manufacturing, trade and trafficking.
Since the beginning of this year, police nationwide have solved 19,000 cases involving firearms and explosives, dismantled 54 criminal groups, and destroyed 237 sites linked to such illegal activities, said Qi Xiguo, deputy head of the public security management bureau of the ministry.
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Public security authorities in Jiangxi and Hubei provinces and beyond have uncovered major illegal manufacturing and trafficking rings, leading to 34 coordinated national operations and the arrest of 831 suspects.
The ministry noted that China's unwavering efforts have allowed the country to enjoy one of the lowest rates of gun and explosive-related incidents worldwide.
Enhance measures against extreme cases
Chinese police have stepped up efforts to patrol public areas and deal with social conflicts and disputes, in a bid to prevent the occurrence of extreme cases.
The ministry held a meeting on Wednesday, urging efforts to prevent relevant cases at the source.
The call came after a serious car ramming incident killed dozens in the city of Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong province, on Monday.
The ministry required swift investigation of the case to find out the facts, comprehensive collection of evidence, and severe punishment for the criminal in accordance with law.
It also asked the police authorities to work with other relevant departments to ensure the proper treatment of the injured and appropriate handling of follow-up affairs.
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The ministry called for efforts to further enhance patrols and monitoring of densely populated areas and other key locations to effectively deter potential crimes and deal with violations.
