July 2, paramilitary police on one-man assault vehicles take part in an exercise at a training base in Shandong Province. The new equipment will be used to provide security at the Olympic Games.
The Olympics have always been a target for terrorists. According to Meng Hongwei, China's Deputy Minister of Public Security, there are three main threats to the Beijing Olympics: First, international terrorist organizations may target nationals of specific countries. Second, the "East Turkistan" terrorist organization may attack Chinese targets. The organization has already used the Internet to announce its intention to mount attacks during the Olympics. Finally there is the threat of attacks carried out by criminal gangs.
Li Wei, director of the Anti-terrorism Research Center of the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations, gave a more detailed breakdown of the potential domestic threats: The first is the "East Turkistan" terrorists. Their recent pronouncements show a clear intention to disrupt the Olympics. The second is "Tibet Independence" forces. They have said they are ready to "sacrifice 100 people to wreck the Olympics." The third is potential assaults from the Falun Gong organization. Finally, individual extremists seeking revenge on society may mount attacks.
In Beijing, 50,000 police officers with professional Olympic knowledge and skills have been trained and drilled. In addition to Olympic venues, Beijing has also strengthened security in public places, airports, subways, buses, shopping malls and hotels.
204 police dogs from across the country will be dispatched to the Olympic venues. A mysterious "Blue Sword Commando" has been set up to handle emergencies, combat violent crime and undertake anti-terrorist operations.
Tight security measures have also been implemented at the six other host cities: Tianjin, Qinhuangdao, Shenyang, Shanghai, Qingdao and Hong Kong. In case of a major attack the police army, navy and air forces will mount a coordinated response.
Beijing has attached great importance to international cooperation. Interpol and the Chinese authorities will open a hotline during the Olympic Games. In addition, the United States, Israel, Britain, France, Russia, Australia, Greece and other countries have provided counter-terrorism assistance to China.
(China.org.cn July 9, 2008)