Embassy Warns of Threat to Americans in Beijing

Word of possible danger reached the U.S., British, Irish and French embassies for possible trouble on or around Christmas Day as Beijing police issued a security alert for the holiday period. “British citizens are urged to exercise heightened vigilance”.

Beijing is generally safe and criminals rarely target travellers, although the fashionable Sanlitun bar and restaurant district occasionally sees fights.

Dozens of police, some with rifles, were standing on guard in the area, which has many big-name brand stores and some embassies.

JASON LEE/REUTERS The U.S. Embassy in China issued a notice on its website on Thursday warning people about possible threats against Westerners in this area on or around Christmas Day.

According to the Beijing police statement, a yellow (second lowest) security alert has been issued for Christmas and New Year in order to maintain good social order, particularly in large shopping areas. The Australian and French governments also urged their citizens to remain vigilant during the festive season.

USA and British embassy personnel would not reveal further details about the reasons for the alert. It is also home to several foreign embassies, though the U.S. Embassy is located elsewhere.

Yang Shu, a counter-terror expert at Lanzhou University in northwest China, told the Los Angeles Times that the high profile nature of the threat and its focus on Western nationals may be a first for Beijing.