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China Travel Wire Issues Security Advisory for Western Visitors during the 2008 Olympic Games
Citing security concerns, China Travel Wire advises Western visitors to take special precautions while visiting Beijing and surrounding areas during the 2008 Olympic Games.
(I-Newswire) - Beijing, China August 6, 2008 – China Travel Wire, an online travel guide, has announced a security advisory for visitors intending to visit China during the 2008 Olympic Games. Citing recent terrorist activity and other security concerns, the staff recommends that all Western travelers take specific precautions while visiting Beijing between the dates of August 7 and August 24, 2008.
Spencer Cohen, Senior Research Analyst for China Travel Wire, recommends that Western travelers remain especially vigilant during any planned visit to Beijing during the critical period of the Olympic festivities. “The recent terrorist attack against police forces in the Western province of Xinjiang demonstrates that separatist and extremist elements are motivated and equipped to disrupt the events in Beijing. While the central government has increased security forces for the event, it is unclear whether the added personnel are adequately trained to detect and deter potential attacks,” he said.
Accordingly, China Travel Wire recommends that visitors take the following precautions: all visitors to Beijing should carry the address and telephone number of their national consular offices with them at all times. Travelers are also advised to carry mobile communication devices such as cellular phones while attending the games. Visitors should try to avoid places where large numbers of foreigners gather, particularly at sites removed from the Olympic terrain such as nightclubs and bars. “The influx of Western tourists to Beijing presents a number of opportunities for attacks at “soft” targets like bars and restaurants,” Cohen stated. Travelers who are intending to visit China but will not be attending the Olympic Games are advised to stay clear of Beijing for the duration of the event, if possible.
The Chinese government has pledged more than 100,000 troops for security detail at the Games. “We don’t want to deter visitors from enjoying the Olympics,” said Cohen, “we just want to ensure that visitors are as safe as possible and are prepared for any potential disruption.”
About China Travel Wire: China Travel Wire is an online resource for travel-related news about China. A staff of key writers and researchers bring a unique and authoritative perspective to issues on the ground in China. The service includes regional and local guides, news updates and security alerts for English-speaking visitors.
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