Beijing tightens security as embassies warn of threats

Chinese police on Thursday stepped up security in Beijing amid rare warnings of possible threats against Westerners issued by the us and some other embassies.

The US and United Kingdom embassies first issued alerts warning against possible terrorist attacks in Sanlitun and urged citizens of their respective countries to remain vigilant while visiting Sanlitun on and around Christmas.

Hundreds of armed police have taken positions around Beijing after the USA embassy issued a threat warning for Westerners.

A Christmas-time threat targeting Westerners in Beijing led to heightened security Thursday in a tourist-friendly area of the Chinese capital.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman, Hong Lei, said that he was aware of the reports and that the government paid “great attention” to the safety of foreigners. The area has seen violence before: In August, a Chinese woman was stabbed to death outside a Uniqlo clothing store as she walked with her French husband. The woman later died in the hospital. The last noticeable event was in October of 2013, when five people were killed and dozens injured after a vehicle ploughed into crowds in Tiananmen Square.

The Xicheng district police said it would send inspection teams at least once a week to restaurants, hotels, theatres and entertainment venues in order to ensure safety during the holidays.

There are no further details from governmental agencies about the nature of the threat.

The Sanlitun district is known for its bars and worldwide brand shops. Roads leading into the embassy area were closed to traffic.

A yellow alert is issued when authorities have information about a significant and approaching threat to public security, state media said.