From anti-terrorism drills to airline closures during the opening ceremony of the Olympics, Beijing is taking every possible measure to ward off terrorism and ensure security for next month's Games. Currently, air, rail, and long-distance bus facilities in Beijing are already on heightened alert. Our reporter Chen Xi brings you the story.
China's Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Railways jointly declared on Tuesday to launch the real name system for passengers to check luggage through railway transportation. The new measures will be in force from June 22 to September 20. Guns, knives and inflammable or explosive materials, as well as poisonous, caustic, radioactive, and contagious substances are all on the prohibited item list. Those who violate the rules will be severely punished.
Wang Xiaolong, deputy manager with China Railway Express Company at the Beijing Railway Station, reminded passengers to bring their identity cards to check-in luggage.
"Passengers should bring their identity cards while they are checking and claiming their luggage. We expect active cooperation from all the passengers."
Qiu Lan, a manager at the head office of China Construction Bank in Beijing, stated her support for the new rules.
"Every one of us is obliged to safeguard the country's social security, especially during the Olympic Games. To promote safety awareness is not only good for others, but also for us."
Qiu Lan said the new regulations would not cause much inconvenience to passengers if they fully obey the rules.
Meanwhile, Zhang Xinwei, sales manager with a Beijing-based tourism company, suggested that passengers get to the railway stations a little bit earlier in case that they miss their train.
"The new measures are quite necessary to ensure security during the Beijing Olympic Games. Passengers can arrive at the railway station a little bit earlier for the check. In the meantime, larger media coverage is also needed to ensure that all the citizens are informed of the new regulations."
Also on Tuesday, China Civil Aviation Administration announced a new move for Olympic security, stating that no planes are to be allowed to take off or land at Beijing Capital International Airport from 7 p.m. to midnight on August 8, the night of the Games' opening ceremony.
The security measure followed the experience of other Olympic host countries and was ratified by the Chinese government.
Beijing residents have already felt the presence of Olympic security measures as the city launched its subway security checks late last month and road checks earlier this month.
At present, an anti-terrorist force of nearly 100,000 commandos, police and army troops have been deployed to handle possible terrorist attacks before and during the Beijing Olympic Games.