The director of Human Rights in China in New York states that even though it is under the Public Security Bureau (PSB), the Public Security Bureau Automobile Management Department (PSBAMD) has its own organization, and even has its own stations in some cities (21 Apr. 1994). The PSBAMD is in charge of traffic control, but is authorized to arrest people if necessary (ibid.).

Generally speaking, all PSB personnel wear the same uniform, but the situation may vary from province to province (21 Apr. 1994). In certain cities, PSBAMD personnel might wear uniforms different from those of other PSB personnel in the same city (ibid.). Chinese people usually distinguish between ordinary PSB personnel and PSBAMD personnel not by their uniforms, but by what they do (ibid.).

According to a representative of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Ottawa, the PSB has a department in charge of traffic-related issues such as traffic control and licensing, and this department does not perform other police duties such as arresting criminals (21 Apr. 1994). The representative, who does not know the exact name of this department, states that the department, which is under the PSB, has its own organization. The personnel of this and other PSB departments wear more or less the same uniforms, but have different badges (ibid.). One can distinguish traffic police from other police personnel (ibid.).

This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

Embassy of the People's Republic of China, Ottawa. 21 April 1994. Telephone interview with representative.

Human Rights in China, New York. 21 April 1994. Telephone interview with director.