A new phrase has begun to circulate among foreign visitors to China, expatriates and online content creators: "Chinese sense of security." It reflects not only perceptions of personal safety, but also a deeper sense of predictability and stability in a world increasingly defined by geopolitical tensions and economic volatility, according to a China Media Group commentary published on Friday.
An edited English version of the commentary is as follows:
A British blogger living in China deliberately "abandoned" a laptop on a table in a bustling cafe and found it untouched one hour later, which he exclaimed "incredible". This kinds of security tests are becoming a new way for many foreigners to observe China.
The Chinese sense of security becomes a global buzzword on overseas social media platforms. It began as anecdotal impressions, such as safe late-night walks in major cities, seamless digital payments and visible public order, and has now gradually evolved into a broader cross-cultural concept.
China is one of the countries with the lowest homicide rates, crime rates, and the fewest gun- and explosives-related cases, widely recognized as one of the safest nations globally.
According to Gallup's 2025 Global Security Report, both the sense of security among the Chinese people and China's ranking in the "law and order index" far surpass those of major Western powers.
China's official data showed public perception of safety stood at 98.2 percent, maintaining a level above 98 percent for six consecutive years.
However, statistics alone do not fully explain the phenomenon. This widely observed sense of safety is best understood as the product of an institutional ecosystem that integrates governance capacity, technological infrastructure and a people-centered development philosophy.
The Chinese sense of security is first and foremost reflected in its excellent public security. Over the years, whether it's cracking down on organized crime, combating telecom fraud, or safeguarding people's livelihoods with the Civil Code, China has built a solid safety foundation with rigid laws.
Last year's Edelman Trust Barometer showed that Chinese citizens' trust in the government continues to lead globally, and their optimism about the future remains the highest in the world.
Public security in China is not treated as a standalone policy domain, but as an integral component of social and economic governance. This holistic approach links safety to employment, urban management, digital services and social stability.
The Chinese sense of security stems from economic security. Chinese modernization is characterized by common prosperity for all. In 2025, China's per capita disposable income increased by 5 percent year on year, in line with economic growth. China has also built the world's largest education, social security, and healthcare systems, constructing a comprehensive safety net.
This people-centered development logic ensures that the benefits of development truly reach everyone. With stable lives, sufficient safeguards, and no worries about the future, society naturally remains orderly, and people feel secure and at ease.
The Chinese sense of security is shaped by profound cultural roots. For thousands of years, the ideals of pursuing common good for all, valuing peace above everything else, and acting in the spirit of mutual support in traditional Chinese culture have been deeply ingrained in the Chinese people's DNA.
After coming to China, a British man said he relearned what is trust, proving that this sense of security born of unguarded trust is more valuable.
China's reputation for safety and stability carries increasing international relevance. At a time when regional conflicts and geopolitical rivalries are undermining global stability, China presents itself as an oasis of stability and a safe haven for global investors and businesses.
The emergence of the "Chinese sense of security" as a global talking point reflects a broader shift in how the concept is understood. It is no longer limited to the absence of crime or conflict, but encompasses economic stability, social order and the reliability of everyday life. In this broader sense, China's experience offers valuable insights into how governance, development and technology can be integrated to create a comprehensive framework of security.
'Chinese sense of security' challenging Western perceptions
