China's integration into the global economy has also exposed a growing number of its citizens and their assets to potential risks. 

As some Chinese companies operating overseas become the target of kidnappings and violent attacks, many are turning to security agencies. And more companies are willing to spend on risk prevention, in projects beyond the border.  

"The overseas businesses have been growing fast, with rising number of Chinese on assignment. Security risks are on the rise too. Awareness training for employees is meaningful," says Zeng Guangyan, deputy director, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation.

Protecting China's ever-expanding commercial interests and Chinese living abroad, has led to the shifts in the country's security concept.

"The conventional thinking is that to build the walls, the higher the better, the thicker the better, but professional security personnel have to transcend or pass through the walls, to have all shareholders engaged and benefited. When our projects are well received only then we are welcomed, shall our projects be secured and our safety be guaranteed," says Lu Dong, vice president, China Security & Protection Group Co., LTD.

"Our ultimate goal of security training is to raise their safety awareness. I'm my own best security officer. That's our training philosophy," says Lin Lin, chief security officer, China Security & Protection Group Co., LTD.

The overseas security market is lucrative but also risky. Chinese security companies are testing waters and developing fast.