The September 11 attacks in the United States led to increased awareness, alertness and caution concerning the threat of terrorism. The Greek government has spent 1.2 billion Euros (US$1.5 billion) to ensure security during the Olympic Games this summer.

A large number of Chinese will be in Athens during the Olympics. In addition to the 633-member delegation and the Beijing Olympics visiting team, numerous journalists and tourists -- including 1,500 vacationers organized by travel agencies -- will be in the Greek City.

Li Wei, director of the Modern International Relations Research Institute's counterterrorism center, terrorist attacks do not appear to be a direct threat to Chinese people. Neither officials nor casual travelers "will become major targets for international terrorist attacks," said Li.

Greece has classified countries participating in the games in terms of their risk as targets, and China was not given a high-risk rating.

Nevertheless, the Chinese government has taken steps to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens during their stay in Athens. Li Wei and officials of the Ministry of State Security say that some organizations, including the Eastern Turkistan Liberation Organization may pose direct threats to Chinese citizens as they are still conducting terrorist activities in Athens. Although their activities have been curtailed, officials will not say that the group no longer poses a threat.

Additionally, Chinese citizens may well find themselves among crowds of people from countries considered to be at higher risk of attack. Thus, they should remain alert.

Li remarks, "We must realize that the risks of terrorist attack still exists."

(People's Daily August 6, 2004)