Some Chinese officials are growing anxious over the possibility of future demonstrations and social unrest during the Olympics. To combat this, new plans have been announced that include heightened watchfulness and added incentives for good performance. Further, different agencies that might not typically work together are now encouraged to cooperate in efforts to maintain order. From Reuters:
China will seek to head off any riots or protests that could mar its showcase Olympics Game year through secret investigations and punishment of errant officials, state media reported on Wednesday.
China’s Communist Party leaders have been alarmed by growing petitions, protests and mass petitions in past years, worries that have intensified in the run-up to the Beijing Olympics, which open in August.
The Party’s Central Committee for Comprehensive Management of Public Security has announced steps to stifle sources of unrest. Hotspots of instability would attract secret probes, surveys and joint investigations, the China Police Daily reported.
[Photo: fortinbras, via flickr.]
