Ordinary people will lead the fight against terrorism during the
2008 Beijing Olympic Games, according to security experts.
"The most important part of anti-terrorism efforts is
prevention, and there are three main ways to prevent terrorism
during the Olympic Games. These are to defend against terrorists
using people, facilities and technology," anti-terrorism expert
Wang Guanghai was quoted as saying in China Youth
Daily.
"The most important means among the three is to prevent
terrorism with people. So we can say that the anti-terrorism effort
during the Olympics is a people's war."
Wang is also one of the leading members of the research group
which produced the recently approved "Anti-terrorism Strategies for
the Beijing Olympic Games".
Wang revealed that the "people's war" concept was a key part of
the anti-terrorism efforts, and he set out plans to establish
"anti-terrorism networks".
According to the plans, seven networks will be set up during the
Games. These include:
A public security control network in communities;
A coordination network between urban and rural areas;
A parade network along the streets;
A supervision network within the city;
A supervision network on the Internet;
A security guard network within every organization;
A management network in some special industries.
"Terrorists are always hidden among the ordinary people, so
people can encircle them tightly, which may help to uncover the
danger," said Wang. "There is no doubt that only with the
cooperation of common people can we achieve success in
anti-terrorism efforts during the Games."
As well as the networks set up by ordinary people, defense
systems for Olympic guests are also included in the anti-terrorism
plans.
According to Wang, the venue areas will be divided into three
zones during the Games.
The core area is the red zone, which will start 50 to 400 meters
away from each venue. Only security staff can enter this area and
spectators should pass through security checks before entering the
venue through an appointed gate.
Approximately 400 to 1,000 meters away from the venues will be
the guard area, in which vehicles that have passed the security
check will be allowed to park.
The outside control area will be 1,000 to 1,500 meters away from
the venue. This will be controlled by traffic police, and all
buildings within this area will be patrolled by policemen.
"We also have a detailed plan for security in the Olympic
village, and all routes that will be used by officials and athletes
will be carefully guarded as well," Wang added.
(China Daily January 12, 2007)