Beijing Olympics would be safe, IOC inspectors told

International Evaluation Commission Chairman Alexander Zhukov (right) and colleagues inspect facilities at National Stadium in Beijing on Tuesday, March 24, 2015. [Photo by Feng Yongbin/China Daily]

The Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games Bid Committee made assurances on Friday that the capital is capable of hosting a safe Games if its bid is successful, despite the existence of a terrorism threat.

Relying on its elite workforce, cutting-edge equipment and abundant experience in safeguarding major international events－including the 2008 Summer Olympics and the 2014 APEC meetings－Beijing can guarantee a secure and smooth operation for the 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games, said Zhang Jiandong, vice-president of the committee and vice-mayor of Beijing.

"Building on the experience we gained through the 2008 Olympics, the police and other departments have upgraded security capabilities and anti-terrorism planning in Beijing, which has proved to be a safe destination for any international gala. The city has a clean history of event operation," Zhang said at news briefing on Friday.

The briefing marked the conclusion of an inspection by the International Olympic Committee's evaluation commission of Beijing's joint bid with Zhangjiakou, Hebei province, for the 2022 Winter Games.

Security, medical services and legal affairs were among the subjects highlighted in the last presentation delivered to the commission on Friday.

According to Beijing's application, a dedicated security and intelligence center would be established for the Games to command and coordinate security and intelligence work in cooperation with Interpol and agencies of all participating countries and regions.

Approximately 25,000 personnel from public security departments and private forces would be involved in security operations in Beijing and Zhangjiakou, the application said.

Terrorism remains a threat at virtually any venue. A vehicle rammed into a crowd in the heart of Beijing in 2013, for example, killing six people and injuring 39 in Tian'anmen Square. The East Turkestan Islamic Movement, a group that has been designated a terrorist organization by the United States, China and Saudi Arabia, later claimed responsibility.

Still, Zhang promised that the country's enhanced efforts and investment in upgrading its public security and anti-terrorist workforce will guarantee a safe environment in Beijing for the 2022 Games.