Ordinary people will lead the fight against terrorism during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, according to security experts.

 

"The most important part of anti-terrorism efforts is prevention, and there are three main ways to prevent terrorism during the Olympic Games. These are to defend against terrorists using people, facilities and technology," anti-terrorism expert Wang Guanghai was quoted as saying in China Youth Daily.

 

"The most important means among the three is to prevent terrorism with people. So we can say that the anti-terrorism effort during the Olympics is a people's war."

 

Wang is also one of the leading members of the research group which produced the recently approved "Anti-terrorism Strategies for the Beijing Olympic Games".

 

Wang revealed that the "people's war" concept was a key part of the anti-terrorism efforts, and he set out plans to establish "anti-terrorism networks".

 

According to the plans, seven networks will be set up during the Games. These include:

 

A public security control network in communities;

 

A coordination network between urban and rural areas;

 

A parade network along the streets;

 

A supervision network within the city;

 

A supervision network on the Internet;

 

A security guard network within every organization;

 

A management network in some special industries.

 

"Terrorists are always hidden among the ordinary people, so people can encircle them tightly, which may help to uncover the danger," said Wang. "There is no doubt that only with the cooperation of common people can we achieve success in anti-terrorism efforts during the Games."

 

As well as the networks set up by ordinary people, defense systems for Olympic guests are also included in the anti-terrorism plans.

 

According to Wang, the venue areas will be divided into three zones during the Games.

 

The core area is the red zone, which will start 50 to 400 meters away from each venue. Only security staff can enter this area and spectators should pass through security checks before entering the venue through an appointed gate.

 

Approximately 400 to 1,000 meters away from the venues will be the guard area, in which vehicles that have passed the security check will be allowed to park.

 

The outside control area will be 1,000 to 1,500 meters away from the venue. This will be controlled by traffic police, and all buildings within this area will be patrolled by policemen.

 

"We also have a detailed plan for security in the Olympic village, and all routes that will be used by officials and athletes will be carefully guarded as well," Wang added.

 

(China Daily January 12, 2007)