Security alert in Beijing Sanlitun

[Randy W]

Beijing's Sanlitun area saw heavy police presence on Christmas Eve following a security alert issued by the U.S. Embassy warning of possible attacks against Westerners during the holiday season.

 

The warning has since been echoed by the U.K., Italian, Dutch and Japanese embassies.

 

At Tai Koo Li, a shopping mall and landmark in the area, trash bins were removed from public spaces as a precautionary measure.

 

Visitors to the area are advised to exercise vigilance over the next week.

 

 

 

 

 

The U.S. Embassy has received information of possible threats against Westerners in the Sanlitun area of Beijing, on or around Christmas Day. U.S. citizens are urged to exercise heightened vigilance. The U.S. Embassy has issued the same guidance to U.S. government personnel.

 

* The State Department's Worldwide Travel Alert message remains in effect.

 

* Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.

 

* Contact the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, located at 55 An Jia Lou Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, by phone at (+86 10) 8531-4000, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or by email at BeijingACS@state.gov. For AFTER HOURS EMERGENCIES, call 8531-3000 to speak to the operator.

 

* Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States or Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except federal holidays).

 

[Randy W]

http://cdn1.scmp.com/sites/default/files/styles/486x302/public/images/methode/2015/12/24/84aecb52-aa13-11e5-88e2-828a3e695a05_1280x720.jpg?itok=LAPBFbRN