• China's growing influence in various leading sectors across Africa has continued to raise concerns and the news that China was opening 'police stations' in South Africa did not come as a welcome development to many critics of the African-China union.

    China has however debunked claims that they are setting up police stations. According to them, what they are setting up are "Chinese Community and Police Co-Operation Centers," and just recently, they unveiled the 13th of such centers in South Africa alone which has been stationed in Port Elizabeth.

    If these are not police stations, then what are they and why are they performing the duties of policing?

    Also, since when has the duty of policing in a country become the responsibility of a foreign nation?

    The Chinese say that the centers were built to establish and improve already existing relationship and communication between South African police and the local Chinese community. 

    Does this mean that the local South African police has become powerless in dealing with cases that affect Chinese citizens in the country?

    Opposition MP and leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Julius Malema, expressed his displeasure at the news in a tweet where he said:

    “Now Chinese are opening their own police stations in South Africa. They have already opened 13 & this one was opened yesterday in PE.”

    Another shocking revelation is the fact that law enforcement officials in South Africa are now been taught the Chinese Meridian language which authorities say is so that the officials can easily communicate with Chinese nationals in the country.

    The South African Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga, was among many government dignitaries that attended the unveiling ceremony of the 13th Chinese Community and Police Cooperation Center which took place recently.

    The question remains: "Why is China Opening 'Police Centers' in South Africa?

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