China has strengthened security measures to ensure the safety of all involved in the upcoming meetings of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), Zhang Qiyue, spokeswoman of the China Secretariat for APEC 2001, said Sunday.

Zhang said at a news briefing here that relevant departments have allocated more than 10,000 security guards for the protection of key conference venues, hotels and other related facilities in Shanghai.

According to Zhang, during the meetings, China will tighten air traffic control and surveillance in certain air space, and increase patrol of the waters near Shanghai.

All necessary security measures have been taken "not only for the economic leaders of the APEC economies but also for all" involved in the meetings, Zhang said.

She said that the Chinese government attaches great importance to the APEC meetings. Chinese President Jiang Zemin and other senior leaders have paid close attention to the preparatory work.

"All has been ready" for the opening of the meetings, Zhang said, adding that with the joint efforts made by all involved, it can be expected that the 2001 APEC meetings "will be spectacular".

Starting from tomorrow, the fourth senior officials meeting will be held, followed by dual ministerial meeting, APEC CEO summit, APEC Business Advisory Council meeting, and the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting.

(People's Daily 10/14/2001)