Police officers undergo training at the
Beijing Capital International Airport in this September 18, 2007
photo. The police will do their best to guarantee security at the
airport during the Olympic Games in August. [Xinhua]
Police at Beijing Capital International Airport are about to
take delivery of new hi-tech devices intended to fight terrorism
during the Beijing Olympic Games this summer.
Portable bomb detectors that can warn of explosives in just a
few seconds will be deployed during the Games, Zhang Zhi, deputy
director-general of the police department at the airport said
Thursday.
"Airport police have already been equipped with advanced bomb
detecting, moving and disposal devices, along with X-ray machines
and anti-riot robots.
"But we need more and faster bomb detectors for the Games," he
said.
The new bomb-detection equipment is expected to be employed in
all important areas to prevent people from taking explosives into
the airport.
It is just one of many security measures being introduced ahead
of this summer's Olympics.
Zhang, who has more than 20 years' experience in public
security, said an airport security zone will also be defined to
prevent anyone being able to take shots at aircraft when they are
taking off and landing.
Police will also set up checkpoints on highways leading to the
airport to check suspicious people and vehicles.
In addition, police teams will conduct thorough background
checks on all people employed at the airport, Zhang said.
Airport security is a big issue as government leaders, Olympic
officials and athletes must all go through the airport to attend
the Games in August, he said.
There have been reports of terrorists plotting attacks on the
Games.
Foreign ministry official Niu Qingbao recently was reported by
Reuters to tell an international security conference that Eastern
Turkistan terrorists have been plotting attacks.
Police officials are cooperating with other countries and
organizations to exchange information on terrorism.
"Judging from the information shared with us, I must say the
mission is a tough one," Niu said.
"But, we promise we will do our very best to make sure that all
visiting athletes and officials arrive and leave Beijing
safely."
The city's police authorities strengthened their specialist task
force last year, which will take responsibility for bomb detection
and handling emergency incidents and possible terrorist attacks
during the Games, Zhang said.
The development of emergency response plans began in 2004 and
will continue after the Games, he said.
(China Daily February 22, 2008)
