Chinese and foreign police officers on joint duty in Sanya

This September, Sanya welcomed a group of photo-friendly police officers.

Chinese and Serbian police offices on joint patrol interact with tourists at Sanya International Duty-Free Shopping Complex. [Photo/Sanya Daily]

On the morning of Sept 11, Maria, a tourist from Bulgaria, slowed her pace at the entrance of Sanya International Duty-Free Shopping Complex.

In front of her was a unique patrol team: Chinese police officers alongside their Serbian counterparts.

"Safe! Very happy!" After a quick chat and a photo, Maria embarked on her four-day, three-night trip in Sanya, and the place left her with a strong impression of safety.

Tourists from Bulgaria take a photo with the Chinese and Serbian police officers on joint patrol. [Photo/Sanya Daily]

That day marked the launch of the First Safe Tourist Destination and Policing Cooperation Project: Hainan 2026 in Sanya. Invited by the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of the Interior of Serbia sent eight police officers to join Chinese police for two weeks of joint patrols. The sight of Chinese and foreign officers working together quickly became a popular attraction.

The Chinese and Serbian police officers conduct joint patrol at Sanya International Duty-Free Shopping Complex. [Photo/Sanya Daily]

Tourists take photos with the Chinese and Serbian police officers on joint patrol. [Photo/Sanya Daily]

Nearby, Mr Chen from Wuhan was shopping with his family. Seeing the joint patrol, he said, "I often see our Chinese police on joint patrols abroad in the news. It's the first time I've seen foreign police here at home. So cool! Witnessing Chinese and foreign police officers working side by side really shows our country's openness and confidence, adding a special memory to our family's trip."

Tourists take photos with the Chinese and Serbian police officers on joint patrol. [Photo/Sanya Daily]

During the joint patrols, Chinese and Serbian officers will visit various tourist spots, including Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone, West Island Marine Culture Tourism Zone, Luhuitou scenic area, Dadonghai Tourism Zone, Tianya Haijiao scenic area and Wuzhizhou Island, as well as transport hubs like Sanya Railway Station and Sanya Phoenix International Airport.