Container Security Initiative (CSI)
China is the latest entrant to the CSI scheme of the US Customs when it was officially launched in Shanghai yesterday. US Customs Commissioner Bonner said, "The US is grateful for China's strong support in helping make a safer, more secure world trading system." According to him CSI is the world's only multinational programme aimed at protecting global trade lanes and container shipping from exploitation and disruption by global terrorists. The CSI partnership will enable customs officers to target and examine high-risk containers, before they are loaded onto ships destined for the United States.
By becoming a partner in CSI, China joins neighbours Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, South Korea, and Japan in helping ensure the secure flow of goods from and through Asia to the United States. The US already has officers in 36 of the world's major ports under the CSI.