A First-Class Police Commissioner in Mainland China's policing system was, in practice, equivalent to a Senior Superintendent in the Hong Kong Island Police Force.
That was because officers at both ranks headed departments responsible for specific areas of work.
Under Hao Jianguo and Zhou Quan's plan, the upcoming Four-Country, Five-Region Joint Operations would primarily target drug crimes in the Golden Triangle.
On the side of Mainland China's policing system and the Hong Kong Island Police Force, Hao Jianguo intended to make Zhou Quan the lead commander.
However close the two sides were, neither was actually subordinate to the other.
As the operation unfolded, Hao Jianguo would certainly have to appoint a trusted subordinate to command the operations personnel from Mainland China.
And Yu Ping, the head of the Anti-Drug General Bureau, was undoubtedly the most suitable candidate.
In terms of his remit, Yu Ping was entirely aligned with the purpose of the Four-Country, Five-Region Joint Operations.
His status and rank also made him just right for a role assisting Zhou Quan.
Otherwise, if Mainland China's public security system sent a senior figure whose shoulder insignia bore a partially encircled national emblem to oversee the upcoming operation, things would be different.
Zhou Quan, the Number One of the Hong Kong Island Police Force, plainly could not hold overall command in that case.
Zhou Quan put on no airs when Yu Ping took the initiative to greet and salute him.
"Director Yu, hello!"
Rising slowly, Zhou Quan solemnly returned the salute, the smile on his lips as warm as a spring breeze.
Between Mainland China's Public Security System and the Hong Kong Island Police Force, the Narcotics Investigation Division and the Anti-Drug General Bureau were undoubtedly the two departments with the closest ties.
By comparison, other departments only cooperated occasionally and conducted