How the Chinese police use the deity Mazu to mediate disputes with remarkable success

Police stations in southeastern China have invoked the sea goddess Mazu to mediate conflicts between locals, proving to be exceptionally effective.

More than 10 police stations in Putian County, in the coastal Fujian province – where the Mazu legends originated – have set up mediation rooms in her name since 2019.

A police officer told Chinese publication Jimu News that the Mazu Mediation Hall was “very effective” in resolving disputes.

With Mazu’s portrait overseeing the discussions, locals felt discouraged from being dishonest, encouraging mutual trust as the public believed that police officers would also remain impartial in her presence.

God is watching

Mazu, known as Tin Hau in Hong Kong, is a sea goddess widely worshiped in China’s coastal regions and among Chinese communities in countries such as Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.