In the digital era, computing power is the capacity of policing and algorithms are the tactics, according to Yi Guiping, an immigration officer at the Huangpu border checkpoint in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, with over 40 years of experience.

Yi monitors nautical charts and ship trajectories to identify suspicious vessels in the Pearl River.

Border security no longer relies solely on patrols and checkpoints. To realize data-driven law enforcement and smart border control, the National Immigration Administration has rolled out a series of measures covering customs inspection, government services and border security. These initiatives have not only improved customs clearance and administrative efficiency but also fortified the security barrier at national borders and ports.

Behind policies such as "zero-wait" berthing for international shipping vessels, "zero-delay" clearance for departures, and expedited clearance services for travelers lies strong data empowerment and support, as well as officers like Yi.