China and Olympics Security

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/04/sports/olympics/04china.html

A lot of you have been asking me about the environment and atmosphere in China about the Olympics. Well the Euphoria is amazing, all the roads, flyovers, websites, TVs, Shopping Malls, Trains, Metros, taxis, bus etc are packed with Olympics Logos, promotions, ads, explanation of the various sports involved. Ofcourse the Chinese Govt and people are spending millions and millions of Dollars to promote the games among its citizens and companies are using the best advantage of the games as they should.

But, a meticulous level of planning and preparation has gone into place by the Chinese govt to make sure the games are safe and successful. In these times of terror, no country can be isolated from the threat of terrorism and attacks, not even China. There has been incidents of attacks and threats for the olympics (as everyone knows), but this article is a brilliant summary of the kind of arrangements that is rite now in Beijing and elsewhere in China. Its a classic example of "prevention / preparation is better than cure"

Some of my / my friend's personal accounts of the "fortress security" has been:

- I have been stopped on the road by policemen twice already asking for passports and house registration details, they want to make sure everyone living in Beijing / Shanghai are legally staying here and are authorised to work / live in China.

- The Internet has been the greatest WALL of china since I have come here, a lot of websites refuse to open at times, latest being Amnesty International / Facebook (at times) blocked by the Chinese govt for security reasons

- one of my friend is now working in Beijing foe 1 of the service providers for the olympics, and he daily updates us with army / security personnel checking randomly for identities, doing their drills for any attacks, and how the Internet for the journalists is also restricted!

This might be the biggest event that China has ever hosted, and as per chinese culture, they would do anything to not loose their face in the world. There has been critisisms, environmental concerns, human right concerns and complains from a lot of foreigners for harrasment / visa issues, but lets hope after all this, the world can have a safe olympics!

The Final Countdown begins!! - 8/8/08 - 8 PM!!

Good Bye from Sunny Shanghai!

Nikunj