US issues Beijing Olympics travel warning
(eTN) - Citing that "there is a heightened risk of attacks" during the Beijing Olympics, the US State Department has warned travelers that extremist groups might conduct terrorist acts within China "in the near future."
With 100 days to go before the Beijing Olympics Games opens, the United States government’s move has brought back the specter of massacre at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games. "Any large scale public event such as the upcoming Olympic Games may present an attractive target for terrorists,” the US State Department warned.
Warning US citizens to avoid participating in demonstrations, the travel alert also urged Americans who live in China or traveling there to be cautious in hotels, restaurants, on public transports, and in areas of large public gatherings.
The State Department also warned travelers about "increased security" in Chinese airports. "There will be tighter restrictions on taking liquids, aerosols or gels aboard flights in carry-on baggage."
So far, as a result of increased security at Chinese airports, two Canadians and a British citizen have been barred from entering Hong Kong, and put on return flights, according to latest news reports.
Nepal Tourism Ministry officials, too, confirmed that a US mountaineer named William Holland was expelled from Nepal for violating regulations. He was found at a Mt. Everest base camp with a banner that reads "Free Tibet." Holland has banned from mountaineering activities in Nepal for the next two years.
Protesters and critics of the Chinese rule over Tibet have targeted the Olympic torch run around the world, which the Chinese say is symbolic of its rising status and pride as host of the Olympics in August.
After a relatively calm run in Asia, the torch-relay run faced hundreds of protesters from Buddhist monks to pro-Tibet demonstrators and nationalists during its "chaotic" Japanese run. More than 3,000 police guarded the route, a security measure normally accorded to Emperor Akihito. Protesters threw trash, eggs, tomatoes and flares during the run.
Ahead of the torch's run up to Mount Everest, and the unveiling of the Olympic theme song, "Beijing Welcomes You” (Beijing Huanying NI) by 100 singers and celebrities, the International Olympic Committee said it is satisfied by assurances given by the Beijing Olympics Organizing Committee regarding preparations undertaken "across a number of areas.”
Beijing authorities confirmed that they are currently "fine-tuning" Games preparations to include media services as well as environmental contingency plans devised to improve air quality during the sports meet.
Aiming to turn the event into a "People's Olympics," the Chinese government has spent US$42 billion for the event, including improving infrastructure such as building a new airport terminal and subway lines.
Comments
Just returned from China. As usual the American Hype is just that.Of course any traveler with a brain knows when not to traverse a dark alley, metaphorically speaking. Chinese people were friendly warm and congenial. Of course the spitting and smoking in restaurants takes getting used to but we were adviesd the Government is encouraging a cease or downward spiral of that behavior.We were however forbidden from bringing bottled water on the flight home from Beijing at the second search prior to boarding. AS the usual practice is to allow water purchased beyond the security check point, we were somewhat surprised by this policy. China is difficult but if one can get beyond the cultural bariers, you will find a country wanting to share its treasures with the world. Enjoy China, we did
J&B
To Yusof Sulaiman - author of article US Issues Beijing Olympics travel warning
In this age of heightened awareness of security concerns around the world - I would like to point out that semantics matter. There is a difference in definition between Travel Warning - which is in the headline of your story - and Travel Alert. According to the US State Department communications - what has been issued for China is an 'alert', which is a lower level advisory. Thank you for clarifying this for your readers so they can make informed judgments regarding the rationale behind the notice as it relates to their travel.
To be exact:
Travel Alerts
Travel Alerts are issued to disseminate information about short-term
conditions, generally within a particular country, that pose imminent risks
to the security of U.S. citizens. Natural disasters, terrorist attacks,
coups, anniversaries of terrorist events, election-related demonstrations or
violence, and high-profile events such as international conferences or
regional sports events are examples of conditions that might generate a
Travel Alert.
China 04/25/2008*
Mexico 04/14/2008
Zimbabwe 04/11/2008
Comoros 04/07/2008
Tunisia 03/13/2008
Guyana 02/26/2008
Mali 02/12/2008
*This information is current as of today, Wed Apr 30 2008 08:37:38 GMT-0500
(CDT).
China
April 25, 2008
This Travel Alert updates U.S. citizens about security issues in China and
advises American citizens traveling or residing there to be alert to their
surroundings and exercise caution at all times. This Travel Alert expires
on October 31, 2008.
Any large-scale public event such as the upcoming Olympic Games may present
an attractive target for terrorists. There is a heightened risk that
extremist groups will conduct terrorist acts within China in the near
future. In light of these security concerns, U.S. citizens traveling in
China are advised to use caution and to be alert to their surroundings at
all times, including at hotels, in restaurants, on public transportation and
where there are demonstrations and other large-scale public gatherings.
Consistent with our standard advice, American citizens are urged to avoid
the areas of demonstrations.
In accordance with these security concerns, Chinese authorities have
increased security in China's airports during recent months. For example,
Chinese airport authorities recently implemented tighter restrictions on
taking liquids, aerosols, or gels aboard flights in carry-on baggage. Such
restrictions may apply to food, cosmetics, toiletries and medicine.
Travelers should contact their air carrier before their flight to determine
the precise regulation in place.
American citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of
vigilance, be aware of local events, and take the appropriate steps to
bolster their personal security. For additional information, please refer
to "A Safe Trip Abroad" found at travel.state.gov.
U.S. citizens planning travel to China should regularly check the
Department's Country Specific Information for China at travel.state.gov for
the latest safety and security information, including the updated Olympics
Fact Sheet, as well as the U.S. Embassy Beijing website at
beijing.usembassy-china.org. Americans planning travel to China are advised
to register their presence with the U.S. Embassy at
travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/.
As the Department continues to develop information on any potential security
threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information
through its consular information program documents, available on the
Internet at http://travel.state.gov. In addition to information on the
Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions
by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada or from other
countries on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.
This Travel Alert is being issued to update U.S. citizens to safety and
security concerns
Travel Warnings
Travel Warnings are issued to describe long-term, protracted conditions that
make a country dangerous or unstable. A Travel Warning is also issued when
the U.S. Government's ability to assist American citizens is constrained due
to the closure of an embassy or consulate or because of a drawdown of its
staff. The countries listed below meet those criteria.
Burundi 04/22/2008
Lebanon 04/21/2008
Syria 04/15/2008
Haiti 04/11/2008
Yemen 04/07/2008
Eritrea 03/26/2008
Algeria 03/26/2008
Chad 03/25/2008
Central African Republic 03/25/2008
Kenya 03/21/2008
Israel, the West Bank and Gaza 03/19/2008
Sudan 03/14/2008
Nepal 02/25/2008
Timor-Leste 02/15/2008
Philippines 02/13/2008
Sri Lanka 02/08/2008
Afghanistan 02/06/2008
Colombia 02/05/2008
Congo, Democratic Republic of the 01/08/2008
Iran 01/03/2008
Saudi Arabia 12/19/2007
Côte d'Ivoire 12/05/2007
Somalia 11/13/2007
Nigeria 10/30/2007
Uzbekistan 10/25/2007
Indonesia 10/05/2007
Pakistan 09/21/2007
Iraq 07/23/2007
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