With the Beijing Olympics fast approaching, China has recently increased its security, a standard and expected course of action in such circumstances. However, some Western media do not seem to approve of this. They believe that some security checks are too stringent, that it is too complicated for foreigners to obtain an entry visa, and that these circumstances "may lead people to lose interest in the Beijing Olympics." This shows that some do not fully understand the importance of Olympic security.
After 9/11, the International Olympics Committee Chairman Rogge emphasized many times that the biggest concern for the Olympics was security. Thus, host countries were expected to raise security before holding the Olympics, making security their priority. Also, countries that have hosted the Games in the past have encountered different degrees of security warnings; China is no exception. At an international conference on Olympic security held in Beijing, Interpol Secretary General Noble said there is a definite risk of violent activity at the Beijing Olympic Games.
In the history of the Olympics, there were two tragic incidents of bloodshed caused by terrorism. One occurred during the 1972 Games in Munich, Germany. The Palestinian terrorist group "Black September Organization" attacked Israeli athletes, shooting and killing two immediately, and then kidnapping and killing nine more people. The other incident occurred during the 1996 Games in Atlanta, USA, where a bomb exploded in Olympic Park, killing 1 and injuring more than 100. These incidents of bloodshed were lessons for Olympic security. In recent years, host countries of the Olympics have placed high importance on security, spending more and more resources each year on this matter. 82.5 million US dollars were spent at the Atlanta Olympics, while 198 million were spent in Sydney. 600 million was budgeted for Athens, but in the end a total of 1.65 billion USD was spent.
At present, terrorism is an issue that must be dealt with at any international event. Host governments must be fully prepared for all sorts of risks. China has accumulated ample experience in ensuring public safety, and its domestic environment has always been very safe. For example, China has strict and effective controls over firearms and explosives. Still, it must be on guard against extremists seeking to disrupt the Olympics, and it is working hard to reduce all kinds of risks as much as possible in order to ensure the safety of athletes, leaders, spectators, volunteers, and all others who will participate in the Olympics. With the Olympics Opening Ceremony quickly approaching, relevant sectors and departments are taking steps to increase security, including the subway system with its security checks. These measures are essential for ensuring a successful Olympics.
The Olympics is a grand gathering for the whole world. While China is responsible for ensuring its success, the rest of the world also needs to contribute. China hopes that more countries will understand and support Olympic security. The Athens Olympics is an example. Because it was the first Olympic Games held after 9/11, the whole world was greatly concerned about Olympic security, and many Western countries eagerly provided assistance in the form of financial and human resources. Because of security measures taken by the host country as well as the world's concern and support, the Athens Olympic Games were held safely and smoothly.
Today, China has invested an enormous amount of human and material resources in Olympic security. Interpol and many countries have worked closely with China in this, and China is grateful for the help and cooperative efforts from the international community. It also hopes that some Westerners and Western media can objectively perceive that the safety of human lives is a top priority, and refrain from using double standards to look at the Beijing Olympics. We believe that under the joint efforts of China and the international community, we will be able to hold a safe and successful Olympics.
By People's Daily Online
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