Beijing airport beefs up security for Olympics

updated 6:41 p.m. ET Feb. 22, 2008

BEIJING - Beijing's international airport will be installing high-tech portable bomb detectors as part of its security plan to combat terrorism ahead of the Summer Olympics.

Zhang Zhi, deputy director general of the airport police, said the new detectors will be able to warn of explosives in a few seconds, the English-language China Daily reported Friday.

Airport police have already been equipped with X-ray machines, anti-riot robots, and some bomb detection and disposal devices, Zhang said.

"But we need more and faster bomb detectors for the Games," he said.

Airport security is a major concern with tens of thousands of government leaders, Olympic officials, athletes and visitors expected to arrive in Beijing to attend the games.

Zhang said other measures will include setting up a security zone to prevent anyone from taking shots at aircraft as they take off and land. Traffic checkpoints will be set up around the airport. In addition, background checks are being conducted on all airport employees.

China believes terrorism is the biggest threat facing this summer's Olympic Games and has called for closer international cooperation to prevent possible attacks. China's generally secretive police agencies have sought advice on Olympic security from the U.S., Germany, Israel and other foreign governments.

FBI head Robert Mueller said during a visit earlier this year that China's security preparations for the Olympics were impressive and that his agency was lending its expertise on fending off possible terrorist attacks.

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China has also boosted anti-terrorism training for its military, with troops focusing on biochemical and nuclear threats, and emergency rescue operations.

As part of a larger security sweep of the capital, Beijing police will launch a 39-day effort starting immediately to check the documents of its migrant population in order to ensure a safe public environment for the Olympics, The Beijing News reported Friday.

Migrant workers who do not have documents will be required to have a temporary residence permit. Those who don't could face a 50 yuan (U.S. $7) fine.

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