China vows to provide safest environment for Olympics

Security authorities in Beijing have unveiled their plans for next year's Olympics. They announced their intention on Friday to provide the safest environment possible for the Games.

It is the latest drill to test the level of readiness ahead of the games.

During the Beijing Olympics, over 500,000 security guards with 300,000 pieces of equipment will work to ensure the safety of athletes and the audience.

Senior officials say people can protest or demonstrate during the Games only if they apply to the government and get approval. It is terrorism that tops the authorities' concern.

Liu Shaowu, Vice President of BJ Olympic Security Coordination Office said "Any activities that violate Chinese laws, defy Chinese sovereignty, promote separation or incite terrorist attacks, we will not allow it in here."

It is not the first time China has openly talked about the terrorism threats it faces at the Games, but Liu did not say which groups it might target.

Earlier this year, an anti-terrorism drill was carried out at a key port outside Shanghai. The exercise simulated an attempt by five people to hide in containers at the facility and set off a bomb on a ship.

So far, the Games' preparations have drawn praise from International Olympic Committee officials during their frequent visits to the Chinese capital.