北京保安加强 确保国庆安全

Anti-terrorist forces are in action as Beijing has stepped up security ahead of the 60th National Day celebration. The Blue Sword Commando Unit has begun patrolling the city's main thoroughfare of Chang'an Avenue.

On Wednesday, the Unit drew much attention from passersby at Beijing's Wangfujing shopping area.

The highly-trained special police squad was dubbed the protector of last year's Beijing Olympics for its role in counter-terrorism and riot control. Now they are in action again.

Miao Yanjun, Deputy Unit Leader of Beijing Special Weapons & Tactics Unit, said, "We have three policemen for each patrol car. Each of them is equipped with two rifles and a pistol. They can deal with various emergency situations."

As for the squad's canine partners, the officers are reminding people not to get close or touch the dogs without permission.

The Beijing police say they have been deploying 13-hundred patrol cars, 7-thousand officers and 3,000 assisting police every day for the past ten days.

Miao said, "Armed police are patrolling to thwart terrorists, lawbreakers and criminals. And they are also ready to act at any time."

The officer says there are thousands of militiamen patrolling bridges, overpasses and culverts in the city.

Backed by volunteers across Beijing, security personnel are ensuring the absolute safety of the capital's celebrations.