By Xinhua writer Yan Hao
BEIJING, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- China is tightening security with tens of thousands of armed policemen guarding major facilities and streets during the country's 60th founding anniversary, which falls on Oct. 1.
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Armed policemen in Beijing take part in a mobilization ceremony for their roles in ensuring security during the upcoming 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China on September 1, one month ahead of the National Day on October 1.(Xinhua Photo)
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Several thousands of Chinese People's Armed Police
Force (PAPF) troops will make security checks, and guard against and handle any
terrorist attacks in Beijing, center stage of the celebrations scheduled around
the National Day.
The PAPF
headquarters have selected elite members from its rapid responding units and
troops under direct control to guard the capital.
A statement issued by headquarters of the PAPF,
China's internal security force, on Wednesday revealed that armed police troops
garrisoned in Tibet and Xinjiang have been involved in maintaining stability in
the regions where security levels are particularly intensified.
Shanghai, where the World Expo will be held next
year, is also targeted by the PAPF to protect against possible security threats
or attacks, according to a statement.
Besides the four prioritized regions, armed police
troops in Tianjin, Hebei, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Liaoning and Shandong, which
surround Beijing, have also been ordered to tighten security measures and to act
as the capital's moat.
Gen. Wu Shuangzhan, commander of the 660,000-strong
PAPF, asked the troops to prepare for the worst situations with detailed plans
and high-pressure special training.
Under the dual command of the Central Military
Commission (CMC)and the State Council, the armed police played a major role in
quelling riots and maintaining stability in Lhasa on March 14 lastyear and in
Urumqi on July 5.
China's national legislators last week approved the
country's first law on the PAPF to officially authorize the force the power to
handle terrorist attacks and other social emergencies.
It is not clear whether the PAPF will deploy its anti-terror special unit, Snow Leopard Commando Unit (SLCU), for the security missions on the National Day. About 400 SLCU members were called to protect the first Olympic Games held in China last summer.
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A photo taken on September 1 shows armed police forces in Beijing line up for a mobilization ceremony. (Xinhua Photo)
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Under the Law on the People's Armed Police Force, the PAPF troops could "take necessary measures" to dispel large assemblies of people that compromise social order and the security of facilities the PAPF protects.
PAPF personnel can interrogate suspicious persons and
check their identification documents, belongings and vehicles when they assist
the police in traffic control.
To ensure safety of the Beijing's Capital
International Airport, armed policemen have been sent to the airport's three
terminals since the end of last month to help the police patrol against violence
and terrorist attacks.
The armed police troops will intensify interrogation
of suspicious passengers and garrison the airport, one of the most important
security targets for the National Day celebrations, until Oct. 8.
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A photo taken on September 1 shows armed police forces in Beijing lining up for a mobilization ceremony that marks the start of their deployment in the city to ensure security during the National Day celebrations on October 1 that mark the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. (Xinhua Photo)
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Special
Report: 60th Anniversary of Founding of PRC
