Society

China beefs up security checks for Asian Games

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-10-10 17:07

In this Sept 16, 2010 file photo, armed policemen take part in a training to strengthen their capability against terrorism prior to the forthcoming 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, capital of south China's Guangdong Province.?[Xinhua]

GUANGZHOU --?With one month before the opening of the 2010 Asian Games, China has activated 100 police checkpoints on the roads and waterways to the southern host city Guangzhou Sunday to form a "security firewall".

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A total of 132 checkpoints, scattered in south China's Guangdong Province and five neighboring regions, are responsible for examining people, vehicles and articles in order to ensure the smooth running of the 16th Asian Games and the Asian Para Games, according to an initiative jointly issued by the Ministry of Public Security and the security coordination commission for the Games.

An unnamed official with the ministry said that the security checks would be conducted in a "less disturbing" way to avoid traffic jams and other inconveniences.

The ministry also instructed police departments across the country to put more effort into solving social conflicts and cracking down on gun-related crimes and violence.

As the ministry deployed more personnel for street patrols, it urged fire and traffic departments to strengthen management to prevent major fire and road accidents.

The 2010 Asian Games is scheduled to open on November 12.