Chinese State Councilor Zhou Yongkang has called for the strengthening of anti-terrorism training for security guards, in order to ensure the safety of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
Quote:
"As the international security situation is very complicated, anti-terrorism efforts are of great importance to the safety of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games."
He has asked for the establishment of a system to ensure a quick response to terrorist emergencies. Additionally he has noted that all the security guards must be given anti-terrorism training courses, and that the Olympic stadiums' security facilities must be improved.
Finally, he has called for China's Exit and Entry Administration to improve their anti-terrorism capabilities prior to the Games, and for intelligence on terrorist activities to be intensified.
Friday, August 18, 2006
Thursday, August 17, 2006
China Educates The Uncouth
As the 2008 Beijing Olympics draws ever near, the authorities in China are aware of the PR and image issues associated with the Games. Specifically, they are focusing their attention on the impression that their own citizens make on the rest of the world. After all, the best/worst ambassadors for a country are usually its own citizens.
As such the Spiritual Civilisation Steering Committee, the Chinese etiquette watchdog, has launched an education campaign to correct the embarrassing habits of Chinese tourists at home and abroad.
The Committee's "Campaign to Promote Civilised Chinese Travellers" will last until after the Olympic Games.
The Committee states:
"Currently, the behaviour of our country's tourists is not compatible with the rapid development of the tourist industry, nor with China's international standing."
The official Xinhua news agency has already quoted Singapore media reports of airline and hotel staff complaining about Chinese tourists spitting, talking loudly and being rude. That being said, Singapore has very high standards indeed with respect to behaviour in public.
The committee has highlighted a number of areas of concern including; appearance, hygiene, courtesy, the law, the environment and public infrastructure, as damaging "the image of China as a civilised country" and generating "widespread attention and criticism domestically and overseas."
The China Daily said:
"Many tourists clear their throats loudly and spit, take off shoes aboard planes and trains, squat and smoke in public places, and often appear uncouth."
Civil servants and state company executives will be targeted for training, the general public will be educated via the media and pamphlets distributed at public transport stations, hotels, travel agencies, tourist spots, schools and work places.
I would venture to suggest that other countries could also benefit from applying such an education programme.
As such the Spiritual Civilisation Steering Committee, the Chinese etiquette watchdog, has launched an education campaign to correct the embarrassing habits of Chinese tourists at home and abroad.
The Committee's "Campaign to Promote Civilised Chinese Travellers" will last until after the Olympic Games.
The Committee states:
"Currently, the behaviour of our country's tourists is not compatible with the rapid development of the tourist industry, nor with China's international standing."
The official Xinhua news agency has already quoted Singapore media reports of airline and hotel staff complaining about Chinese tourists spitting, talking loudly and being rude. That being said, Singapore has very high standards indeed with respect to behaviour in public.
The committee has highlighted a number of areas of concern including; appearance, hygiene, courtesy, the law, the environment and public infrastructure, as damaging "the image of China as a civilised country" and generating "widespread attention and criticism domestically and overseas."
The China Daily said:
"Many tourists clear their throats loudly and spit, take off shoes aboard planes and trains, squat and smoke in public places, and often appear uncouth."
Civil servants and state company executives will be targeted for training, the general public will be educated via the media and pamphlets distributed at public transport stations, hotels, travel agencies, tourist spots, schools and work places.
I would venture to suggest that other countries could also benefit from applying such an education programme.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
A Foretaste of 2008
There is a foretaste being provided this week for those people keen to see what the 2008 Olympics in Beijing may be like, as Beijing hosts the 11th IAAF World Junior Championships.
1,400 athletes from 182 countries will compete in track and field events at the Chaoyang Sports Centre in Beijing. The competition kicks off today, and runs until Sunday.
Beijing is using the event as a dry run for the 2008 Summer Games.
1,400 athletes from 182 countries will compete in track and field events at the Chaoyang Sports Centre in Beijing. The competition kicks off today, and runs until Sunday.
Beijing is using the event as a dry run for the 2008 Summer Games.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Free Press For The Beijing Olympics 2008
The Chinese have announced that China will guarantee the freedom of foreign journalists to cover news in China during the games.
Jiang Xiaoyu, Executive Vice-President of the Beijing Olympic Committee, said that Beijing has:
"..made a solemn promise to provide the service necessary for the media during the Olympic Games.
If there is any conflict between the Chinese media rules and those of international practice, China will follow the International Olympic Committee (IOC) guidelines as well as the established norms of international practice."
Liu Qi, President of the Beijing Olympics Organising Committee, last September also made a similar undertaking.
Jiang stated that all foreign journalists, not just those who are accredited by the IOC, will enjoy free access to news coverage during the Olympic Games.
However, he noted that foreign journalists need to abide by Chinese rules and understand the "national conditions" of China.
Jiang Xiaoyu, Executive Vice-President of the Beijing Olympic Committee, said that Beijing has:
"..made a solemn promise to provide the service necessary for the media during the Olympic Games.
If there is any conflict between the Chinese media rules and those of international practice, China will follow the International Olympic Committee (IOC) guidelines as well as the established norms of international practice."
Liu Qi, President of the Beijing Olympics Organising Committee, last September also made a similar undertaking.
Jiang stated that all foreign journalists, not just those who are accredited by the IOC, will enjoy free access to news coverage during the Olympic Games.
However, he noted that foreign journalists need to abide by Chinese rules and understand the "national conditions" of China.
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