BEIJING - China is widely recognized as one of the safest countries in the world, a senior Chinese public security official said Wednesday when talking about achievements in the public security sector during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025).

Qi Yanjun, vice-minister of public security, made the remarks at a press conference held by the State Council Information Office.

According to Qi, public security organs have helped facilitate China's high-quality development by resolutely safeguarding public safety. With their efforts, China has maintained one of the lowest incidences of fatal criminal cases, the lowest rates of criminal offenses, and the fewest cases involving firearms and explosives. 

Traffic accidents 

The number of major traffic accidents causing three or more deaths in each case during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) in China has dropped by 34 percent compared to the 2016-2020 period, Qi added.

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Qi said that public security organs across the country intensified the identification and rectification of safety loopholes in sectors such as road traffic, railways, and civil aviation, so as to protect the people's property and safety to the maximum extent.

Homicide rates

Meanwhile, China has consistently ranked among countries with the lowest homicide rates globally, with the rate standing at 0.44 per 100,000 people in 2024, senior police officer Jiang Guoli said Wednesday at a press conference.  

Gang crimes

Also on Wednesday, the Ministry of Public Security said Chinese police smashed over 590 organizations of the gang nature during the 14th Five-Year Plan period.