Chinese troops are to step up anti-terrorism training to ensure
the security of Beijing's Olympic Games in August, a senior military
officer has said.
"This year poses a challenging test. We have scheduled massive
training programs before the Olympics to better prepare against any
possible threat," an officer from the General Staff Headquarters of
the People's Liberation Army (PLA) was quoted as saying.
The officer, who refused to be identified, said the troops
participating in Olympics security were focusing on biochemical and
nuclear threats, as well as emergency rescue operations.
He said the PLA on Friday completed safety inspections of the
Water Cube, the flagship Olympic venue for water events, in advance
of the 16th FINA Diving World Cup, which will take place from Feb.
19 to 24.
In June last year, the PLA established a security unit,
consisting of army, navy and air force personnel, for the
Games.
The army is responsible for air protection of all venues, and
maritime safety of coastal venues, and will mainly deal with
non-traditional threats during the Games, particularly biochemical
and nuclear terror attacks.
It will also help the police and armed police forces prevent and
deal with terror attacks as well as rescue operations in disaster
or accident situations.
(Xinhua News Agency February 18, 2008)