Military personnel pass by a set of missles that is stationed near the National Stadium in Beijing. [Photo: CRIOnline.com]

Chinese military forces have set up a sound air defense missile system around major Olympic venues to prevent possible air attacks during the August Games.

CRIonline.com reported Sunday that the system, mainly consisting of domestically produced HQ-7 missiles and related radar equipment, has been deployed at the newly-built National Stadium, or "Bird's Nest," the venue for the opening and closing ceremonies and track-and-field competitions.

The HQ-7, a low altitude and short distance anti-aircraft weapon, is able to intercept air threats from a distance between 500 meters to 15 kilometers, the report said.

Launched either on special vehicles or warships, the multiple-guided missile has a high accuracy rate of up to 90 percent.

Air defense has been highlighted at recent Olympiads in the face of mounting terror threats. Olympic organizers have worked out strict air control plans to safeguard the Games. In addition to restricting airspace around the venues, they also are prohibiting unlicensed aircrafts, ranging from puddle-jumpers to airplane miniatures, from flying during the Olympics and Paralympics.

(CRI July 7, 2008)