All subway lines are to be fitted with hi-tech anti-terrorism devices ahead of the 2010 World Expo, the city's quality supervision bureau said on Tuesday.

The new security system will be able to detect toxic gases, explosives, ammunition and radiation. Closed-circuit television cameras will also be installed in every carriage.

In addition, local hotels will be fitted with face-recognition devices in a bid to track criminals and suspects.

Under the terms of two standards released by the bureau, which took effect on Saturday, subways, hotels and office buildings will be obliged to finish standardizing their security facilities by the end of 2009.

Ni Danhong, an official with the bureau, said: "This is the first time on the mainland that a standard on security systems has been issued. We have learned from similar systems used in the UK, France and Finland.

"Subways are usually populous and not easy to evacuate or ventilate, and hotels are places where crimes are always likely to happen. That's why we have to attach great importance to public safety in these places," Ni said.

New video cameras and sound control facilities are currently being installed on lines 1 and 2 of the city's subway. Lines still under construction will have all the equipment installed according to the new standards, the official said.

In addition, all subway entrances, train carriages and ticket offices will be monitored by high-definition video cameras.

The city plans to have 13 subway lines covering more than 563 km and 350 stations by 2012, Ni said.

Hotels and office buildings should also have video monitors installed in key locations such as parking lots, lobbies, elevators and passageways, he said.

Metal doors and windows to guard against potential theft will also be required.

Hi-tech facilities including face-recognition systems, burglar alarms and gas detectors will be installed in public places such as currency exchange, outlets and ATMs, Ni said.

"We hope to update all our old facilities and add new ones in order to build an advanced, efficient security system before 2010," he said.

Authorities expect the city's subway to carry 400,000 passengers per day during the World Expo.

(China Daily September 6, 2007)