The Anxiety of a Fearful "Olympic Host" -- ‘Anti-China’ groups threaten Olympics

‘Anti-China’ groups threaten Olympics

By Mure Dickie in Beijing

Published: July 4 2008 22:13 | Last updated: July 4 2008 22:13

A top Chinese security official has warned that “anti-China” forces and other hostile groups are
intensifying efforts to sabotage next month’s Beijing Olympics.

The warning from Yang Huanning, executive vice-minister for public security, reflects concern among
Chinese leaders about the possible disruption of an event in which they have invested enormous
political capital.

It is also likely to further spur sweeping security measures in Beijing and other Olympic cities
that some observers say could cast a chill over Games events.

Tougher implementation of visa rules in recent months has already sent the number of tourists
arriving in the Chinese capital plummeting.

Some western critics have already dubbed the Olympics the “no-fun” Games, although local public
enthusiasm for the event still appears to be strong.

In comments posted on the public security ministry’s website on Friday, Mr Yang said: “As the
Beijing Olympics draw daily closer, all kinds of anti-China and hostile forces are further
intensifying their activities to create disturbances and carry out sabotage by any means.”

Meng Hongwei, another public security vice-minister, separately this week identified what he called
the three main threats to the Games: international terrorists, separatists pushing for independence
of China’s Xinjiang region, and “serious crimes”.

While Beijing has long seen the Games as a national “coming-out party”, the tone of much official
discussion has stressed the need to maintain order.

China on Friday barred outspoken Hong Kong pro-democracy legislator Leung Kwok-hung from a group
making a goodwill visit to earthquake-stricken Sichuan Province because of suspicions he might use
the opportunity for political protest.

Mr Leung denied planning any protest and said the ban was “unpardonable”.

China has also recently introduced tougher identity checks for foreigners, an anti-narcotics
crackdown in cities holding Olympic events and the installation of anti-aircraft missiles near
Beijing venues.

Armed police with Segway personal transporters have also been deployed, although sceptics have
suggested this particular form of transport, which requires riders to stand upright, could prove a
tactical disadvantage in a terrorist incident.

The French media reported on Friday that Nicolas Sarkozy, French president, would join US
counterpart George W.Bush in attending the opening ceremony.

Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2008