China turns to unregulated private security firms to protect interests along Mekong
- A report by the US-based non-profit C4ADS said the companies are ‘increasing China’s soft power’ in the region
- Many firms operate in a legal grey area and the role of figures such as ex-triad boss ‘Broken Tooth’ Wan Kuok Koi increases the reputational risk for China
China is increasingly turning to unregulated security companies to protect its growing economic interests along the Mekong river, according to a new report.
The analysis by the Washington-based non-profit C4ADS found that 24 of the 49 foreign private security companies in Cambodia and Myanmar were owned by Chinese nationals as Beijing encourages the use of these firms to protect the increasing number of Chinese businesses and tourists.
This includes the Zhongbao Huaan Group, which runs security for the Sihanoukville special economic zone on the Cambodian coast, a development that Beijing regards as its landmark belt and road project in the country.
“By providing support to state security forces and aid in times of health crises, Chinese private security companies are increasing China’s soft power in Mekong countries,” the report said. “They also down the line, could serve as vectors of hard power.”
Beijing’s efforts to cultivate a private security industry for the growing number of businesses and nationals in Mekong countries – Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand and Myanmar – means the state or military do not have to get involved.