China deploys missiles to guard Games

the new built National Stadium.

The stadium, known as the 8216;Bird8217;s Nest8217; for its interlacing steel beams, will host the opening and closing ceremonies and other major events during the

August 8-24 Olympics.

China has embarked on a wide-ranging security crackdown ahead of the Games. It has repeatedly warned that it faces the threat of terror attacks on the Olympics,

particularly from 8216;separatists8217; in its far-western Xinjiang region, which is predominantly Muslim.

Recent reports in state press said the missiles deployed were of the Red Flag 7 variety. The grassy area, which was protected by a more than two-metre-high

six-foot security fence, also featured a radar apparatus set-up. The missiles batteries were pointed north in the direction of the stadium.

In recent months China has announced it has broken up four separate 8216;terrorist8217; calls from Xinjiang, two of which planned Olympic attacks. It also has dramatically

tightened airline security after saying that a hijack attempt by a Xinjiang 8216;terrorist8217; had been foiled in March. It has provided no public evidence of

the plots.

Critics have accused Beijing of exaggerating or fabricating the terror threat to provide an excuse to crack down on any dissent that could embarrass China

during its time in the Olympic spotlight.

But the US, Britain and Interpol have all issued travel warnings, saying the Games are a potential target for attack.

China has also tightened up requirements for the issuing of visas ahead of the Games. US-made Patriot missiles were deployed for security reasons at the

2004 Athens Olympics.