Africa -China Review Africa -China Cooperation and Transformation
By Staff writer
Published: February 06,2025
China among countries with lowest rate of crime in the world.
Despite being the world’s most populous country with over 1.4 billion people, China stands out for its relatively low crime rates despite the sheer size of its population. When we think of a nation with such a high number of citizens, it’s easy to assume that crime would be prevalent, but China defies this expectation. China’s public safety index for 2023 was 98.2%, being the fourth consecutive year above that the index scored above 98%. According to numbeo.com, a site that records world city crime index by country (2025),shows that United States leads in crime with an index of 49.22, followed by United Kingdom at 48.28, Germany 39.39, Russia 38.68 and China at 24.02.
China’s long history and deep cultural roots play an important role in maintaining low crime rates. Confucian values, which emphasize social harmony, respect for authority, and moral responsibility, are deeply ingrained in Chinese society. These values encourage individuals to adhere to social rules, refrain from harming others, and maintain order within the community.
Additionally, the strong family unit is a cornerstone of Chinese society, and families often instill a sense of responsibility and respect for authority in their children. This reinforces the idea that criminal behavior not only harms society but also brings shame to one’s family. Such social consciousness about bad behavior contributes to law-abiding the reason the country has well behaved citizens.
The low crime rate and especially the absence of drug abuse among the youth has been a strong factor that has encouraged majority middle income Africa parents who have been taking their children to America and Europe for tertiary education to reconsider eying China. There have been several disappointed parents who sent their children to America and Europe, where they get introduced to drugs and end up failing to complete their studies. IN fact, some return when they have already become drug addicts and cannot be of any use to themselves, their families and the country. Today, China receives many African students in University and apart from the quality of education and affordable tuition fees and cost of living, the absence of drug use among the youth is among the strong reason African parents have turned to China for their children’s education.
The Chinese government maintains stringent laws and regulations that are enforced with rigor. Crimes, especially violent ones, are met with heavy penalties, including lengthy prison sentences or, in some cases, the death penalty. The possibility of severe punishment acts as a deterrent for potential offenders. This creates a society where people think twice before committing crimes, as the consequences can be extremely harsh. The Chinese legal system does not tolerate behaviors that might disrupt social order. The strictness extends to both major and minor offenses, further discouraging criminal behavior.
China’s policing strategies play an important role in maintaining order. The country has a highly visible police presence in both urban and rural areas. The police are not only tasked with enforcing laws but also engage with local communities to prevent crime. Community policing allows for early intervention when potential criminal activities are detected. Furthermore, law enforcement officers are often well-trained, and the overall capacity of the police force is vast, ensuring effective deterrence and quick responses to crime.
China has invested heavily in technology to ensuresafety. Cameras are installed in cities and even smaller towns, with facial recognition software and AI used to monitor the behavior of the population. This surveillance acts as a powerful deterrent to crime. The knowledge that one is constantly being watched often prevents individuals from engaging in illegal activities. China’s use of technology extends to law enforcement, where artificial intelligence and big data analytics are used to predict and prevent crimes before they occur. The government is also able to track criminal records, monitor suspicious activities, and swiftly respond to emerging threats, which significantly reduces crime rates.
China’s rapid economic growth over the past few decades has lifted millions out of poverty and provided many with better opportunities for employment and social mobility. A significant reduction in poverty and a growing middle class have diminished the financial desperation that can often lead to crime. It is also worth noting that the Chinese government has invested heavily in social welfare programs, providing people with access to healthcare, education, and other public services. These welfare programs ensure that people’s basic needs are met, making it less likely for individuals to resort to crime due to financial hardship.
China’s low crime rate despite its high population is the result of a combination of factors, including, strong cultural values, deterrent legal system, cutting-edge surveillance technology, economic stability, and proactive policing. As China continues to evolve, its crime control measures will likely adapt, but the country’s ability to maintain low crime rates in the face of such a large and diverse population remains an important aspect of its social structure. There are lessons that countries around the world including Africa can learn from China’s approach to stop crime before it happens.
