Security forces ready for a safe Games

By Li Xinran  |   2008-7-7  |     ONLINE EDITION

ANTI-TERRORISM tops China's security tasks during the Beijing Olympics, according to a senior officer overseeing the Games' security.

The People's Liberation Army, the Navy and the Air Force are ready for the event, said Tian Yixiang, military chief of the Beijing Olympic Games Security Protection Coordinating Group.

"The security situation facing the Beijing Olympic Games is stable overall, but there remain threats," Tian told Outlook Weekly, a magazine issued by Xinhua news agency.

Eastern Turkistan terrorism, Tibetan separatists and Falun Gong cult organization might sabotage the Games via every possible means, Tian said.

The attempted attack on a flight by Eastern Turkistan terrorists on March 10 and the riot in Tibet on March 14 were proof of this, Tian said.

Missile launchers have been allocated to Bird's Nest National Stadium. Threats from air to Games venues will be shot down if they fly too close, according to Tian.

The Navy will ensure security at sea as the coastal city Qingdao is to host sailing events.

Special task forces have also been trained to prevent nuclear or biochemical attacks, Tian said.