‘Anti-China’ groups threaten Olympics

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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