Information Alert: Heightened Security in China

Fortunately there is no need to worry as today, Sunday Feb. 27th, we are not planning on leaving the apartment.  I am cooking a lovely stew and we will some guests over for dinner.   It's our day "in".

Here is the email I received this morning, it makes for an interesting read.

Severity: Informational Alert


Security: Security increased in cities across China ahead of possible anti-government protests Feb. 27. Limited access to prominent locations, traffic delays possible.

This alert affects China

This alert began 26 Feb 2011 22:38 GMT and is scheduled to expire 28 Feb 2011 23:59 GMT.

•Incident: Heightened security
•Date: Feb. 27
•Location: Beijing, Shanghai, and other major cities
•Impact: Limited access to prominent locations, possible traffic delays
Summary
Authorities have significantly increased security in major cities across China ahead of possible protests Feb. 27. Opposition websites have specified locations in Shanghai and Beijing as protest sites, with the event locations in other cities unclear.

In Shanghai, dozens of police vans and uniformed police have surrounded Peace Cinema in People's Square, while the cinema itself has been 'closed for repairs.' In Beijing, the plaza in front of a McDonald's restaurant on the pedestrian Wangfujing Street is partially blocked by a bright blue barrier denoting 'road repairs.'

Background and Analysis
Protests held in Shanghai and Beijing on Feb. 20 drew no more than a few dozen people and met with a strong show of force by authorities. Security forces also rounded up Internet users who had reposted a call for protests and charged them with subversion Feb. 23.

Chinese security forces are very efficient and the calls for protests on Feb. 27 are very unlikely to result in large scale participation - many of China's cities may see no protests at all. Any that occur will probably be limited to a dozen people or less and will be quickly dispersed by security forces. Expect a visible security presence at possible protest sites. The security measures could limit access to some prominent locations and cause localized traffic delays.

Advice
As a precaution, avoid unnecessary travel near areas with heightened security. Allow for additional time for travel and monitor local media for updates.
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