BEIJING 2008 SUMMER OLYMPICS: USG SITUATION REPORT

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 06 BEIJING 003139 NOFORN SIPDIS DEPT, FOR, DS/IP/EAP, DS/DSS/DO, DS/TIA/OSAC, DS/P/MECU, DS/TIA/ITA, DS/DO/P, DS/ICI/CI, DS/T/ATA, DS/TIA, DS/TIA/PII, DS/CC, EAP/CM, S/CT, CA/OCS/ACS/EAP, PASS TO TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (TSA) OPERATIONS CENTER, HONG KONG FOR RSO AND LEGAT AND USSS, SHANGHAI FOR RSO, SHENYANG FOR RSO,CHENGDU FOR RSO, GUANGZHOU FOR RSO, USSS HQS FOR INV, OPO, HNL E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/15/2038 TAGS: ASEC CASC CH CMGT ECON KOLY OVIP PREL PTER SUBJECT: BEIJING 2008 SUMMER OLYMPICS: USG SITUATION REPORT 15, 08/15/2008 REF: A. BEIJING 3117 ¶B. BEIJING 3106 Classified By: DCM Dan Piccuta for reason 1.4 (b),(d) ¶1. (SBU) The following cable provides information on security, public diplomacy, political, and consular activities related to the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympic Games as of 08/15/2008. ¶2. (U) The interagency USG Joint Operations Center (JOC) can be contacted on a 24-hour basis at the following numbers: - JOC Direct Line: 011-86-010-6532-6966. - U.S. Embassy Beijing: 011-86-010-6532-3431, JOC extension ¶6200. - JOC fax: 011-86-010-6532-4763. - STE and fax: 011-86-010-6532-5163. KEY ISSUES -------------- ¶3. (SBU) Barbara Bachman--the U.S. citizen injured in the 08/09/2008 knife attack at Beijing's Drum Tower--departed Beijing for the United States in the early hours of 08/15/2008 via an SOS international medevac charter after weather conditions initially delayed her flight; she was accompanied by one of her daughters. The remains of Todd Bachman--who was fatally stabbed in the incident--will depart Beijing on 08/15/2008 via a United Airlines flight to Chicago; Elisabeth Bachman McCutcheon--daughter of Barbara and Todd Bachman and wife of U.S. Men's Indoor Volleyball coach Hugh McCutcheon--will also be on the flight. The U.S. Ambassador visited Mrs. Bachman at the hospital prior to her departure to thank hospital staff and to offer his condolences; the visit was well-received by the family. On 08/14/2008, the Ambassador likewise visited the Bachman family's Chinese tour guide--who was also injured in the Drum Tower attack--in her hospital room at Sino-Japanese Hospital. The tour guide was visibly thrilled by the Ambassador's visit to check on her well-being and the Ambassador spoke with her for some time, expressing condolences and commending her presence of mind for calling police to the scene immediately after the incident. Doctors advised an Embassy Consular Officer that the tour guide should be released from the hospital in the next few days. ¶4. (U) I Went to the Olympics and all I Got -- Was Struck by Lightning: The U.S. Embassy's American Citizens Services (ACS) unit was notified that three U.S. citizens were the victims of lightning strikes while visiting the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall on 08/14/2008. One of the individuals--an NBC cameraman--was talking on his cell phone when struck and was initially found unconscious. The three BEIJING 00003139 002 OF 006 were taken to Peking Union Medical Center for treatment and U.S. Embassy personnel who were at the hospital reviewed their status. The Embassy's Regional Medical Officer has reported that two of the victims were released and the third--who reportedly suffered a seizure and first-degree burns--was held overnight for observation. ACS has scheduled a hospital visit for the afternoon of 08/15/2008. SECURITY ISSUES -------------- ¶5. (SBU) Threats: There is no significant threat information to report. ¶6. (SBU) Incidents: Third Bomb Hoax in Hong Kong: On 08/14/2008, the Regional Security Officer (RSO) in Hong Kong reported the discovery of a third hoax bomb device. The device was placed at a bus stop in front of the Hua Chiao Commercial Center, approximately two miles away from the location of a device found earlier in the day near the Sheraton and Island Shangri La hotels (ref. a). The device, which had wires attached, was contained in a green bag with a note stating: "Bomb--Don't get close." Police sealed off the area and dispatched an Explosives Ordnance Disposal unit to the scene; a controlled detonation of the package was conducted. The RSO will meet with Hong Kong police on 08/15/2008 for an update on the investigation into the hoax devices. ¶7. (SBU) Update on Report of Explosives in Qingdao: In response to media reports of an explosive device placed near a Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) restaurant in Qingdao (ref. b),representatives of the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) assigned to the JOC received clarification on the incident from YUM Foods (protect)--owner of the KFC franchise. According to the YUM Foods representative, the local manager of the Qingdao restaurant reported that authorities evacuated nearby shops and restaurants after finding a "suspicious" package outside a bus station close to the KFC. The incident was resolved when police determined that the package was a box of books left at the bus station by two students, who subsequently returned to retrieve their belongings. Per the request of YUM Foods, this information is for situational awareness only and should not receive further dissemination. ¶8. (S/NF) Uighurs Detained in Macao: According to intelligence reporting, on 08/05/2008 the Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS) requested the Macao Secretariat for Security investigate three Uighurs in Macao who had telephonic contact with two Uighurs detained in China for their involvement in a recent attack in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region. The MSS asked Macao officials to BEIJING 00003139 003 OF 006 determine if the three had any connection to the attack in Xinjiang or to any other hostile activity. Macao police on 08/06/2008 detained the three Uighurs, determined that they were working legally as parking attendants for a U.S.-owned casino, and found no derogatory evidence against them. The three were subsequently released, though a senior Hong Kong police official indicated that they were deported to Xinjiang. (Please see TD-314/06055-08, dated August 14, for additional details.) ¶9. (SBU) Olympic Protests: More Americans Detained and Quickly Deported: China's official state-run media agency reported three Americans, one Canadian and one British national were detained early on the morning of 08/15/2008 after unfurling a large Free Tibet banner on an Olympic billboard in front of the new CCTV building. As on all previous occasions involving the detention of pro-Tibetan protesters affiliated with "Students for a Free Tibet," ACS received a telephone call informing the U.S. Embassy of the protest and providing personal information on the U.S. citizen protesters. The Beijing Public Security Bureau (PSB) has notified ACS that the three Americans were deported from China via the 1300 hours Air China flight from Beijing to New York. British consular officials have indicated to ACS that they believe their national will be put on the 08/15/2008 flight to Frankfurt. SECURITY OPERATIONS -------------- ¶10. (SBU) Increased Security Granted by MPS: The Chinese Ministry of Public Security (MPS) has granted a request by the Olympic Security Coordinator (OSC) for enhanced crowd control measures and additional security personnel for the venue movements of high profile U.S. athletes such as Michael Phelps, Kobe Bryant, and Jennie Finch (ef. a). The MPS notified the OSC that securiy will be increased at the swimming venue to accommodate the movements of Michael Phelps and that security forces will focus on keeping fans at a reasonable distance from the athletes. The MPS also advised the OSC that they are considering issuing "infinity" credentials to Diplomatic Security (DS) FLOs assigned to the Paralympics; "infinity" accreditation grants FLOs access to all venues. Currently, DS plans to have 18 FLOs in the field for the Paralympics to cover a total of 24 venues. ¶11. (SBU) U.S. Women's Soccer Update: According to the USG Field Liaison Officer (FLO) assigned to the U.S. Olympics Women's Soccer team, the team arrived in Shanghai and FLOs are reviewing security measures with their Chinese and international counterparts. On 08/14/2008, FLOs met with representatives of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) and Beijing Organizing Committee BEIJING 00003139 004 OF 006 for the Olympic Games (BOCOG) at the Shanghai stadium for a walk-through of the venue. The FLOs also received four upgraded credentials allowing them stadium field access; the RSO in Shanghai received temporary venue credentials and upgraded passes, as well. ¶12. (SBU) FLOs Depart China: The OSC reported that FLOs assigned to the U.S. Men's Soccer and the U.S. Badminton teams will be departing Beijing following the elimination of the teams from competition. Per the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with the Chinese Government, FLO accreditation is venue-specific and FLOs cannot be switched to other venues to provide security liaison once they receive their credentials. However, MPS has authorized one exception for a FLO originally assigned to U.S. Men's Soccer to remain and assist at high-profile venues. ¶13. (S/NF) Chinese Security Measures in Beijing: U.S. Defense Attache (DAO) officers in Beijing continue to observe the status of Chinese security measures at Olympic-related and public sites around the city. On 08/13/2008, DAO personnel reported the People's Armed Police (PAP) and PSB presence around Tiananmen Square, the Drum and Bell Towers, and Ritan Park has decreased after an initial staging of units for large-scale crowd and riot control during the Opening Ceremony. However, the PAP and PSB presence remains larger than that observed prior to the Olympics. DAO officers also noted that some areas of Beijing closed during the Opening Ceremony on 08/08/2008 were now open to the public; the Drum and Bell Towers, where authorities promised increased security after U.S. citizens were stabbed on 08/09/2008, remain closed with "security volunteers" and some roving PSB officers staged around the site. Ritan Park--one of the designated "protest parks" during the Games--appeared to be free of any disturbances. In some contrast to recent media reporting on increased security at park entrances--to include the use of hand-held devices to scan visitors--DAO personnel noted that while a security check was maintained at the park gate, visitors were not required to undergo any sort of inspection. (Please see IIR 6 814 1804 08, dated August 13, for additional details.) ¶14. (S/NF) Security for Olympics Closing Ceremony: The Olympics Closing Ceremony will take place without a comprehensive dress rehearsal, according to a 08/12/2008 press report. The report contrasted the Closing Ceremony with the Opening Ceremony, emphasizing that the tone of, and public access to, the Closing Ceremony will be more relaxed. However, DAO has noted the city,s security posture during the Closing Ceremony will probably be similar to that of the Opening Ceremony. (Please see IIR 6 814 1793, dated August 14, for additional information.) BEIJING 00003139 005 OF 006 VIPS -------------- ¶15. (SBU) SecState to Miss Closing Ceremony: On 08/15/2008, the U.S. Embassy informed the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) that Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will not lead the USG Delegation to the Olympics Closing Ceremony. It is not yet clear who will head the Delegation, which also includes Secretary of Health and Human Services Michael Leavitt and Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao. The Delegation is scheduled to arrive in Beijing on 08/22/2008 and will depart the city on 08/25/2008. ¶16. (SBU) Treasury Secretary Leaves China: The U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, Henry Paulson, will depart Beijing on the evening of 08/15/2008. PUBLIC AFFAIRS/PUBLIC DIPLOMACY -------------- ¶17. (U) PAS Supports Cultural Olympiad: As part of the Chinese Ministry of Culture's efforts to promote the Cultural Olympiad, the U.S. Embassy's Public Affairs Section (PAS) invited the famous Sparrow Quartet, led by singer Abby Washburn, to represent the United States. Opening on the night of 08/14/2008 to a packed audience at the U.S. Ambassador's residence, PAS has arranged for the group to play at venues in Guangzhou, Dongguan, and Fushan. Their tour will return to Beijing where they will play for Team USA athletes and their families at the USA House. CONSULAR AFFAIRS -------------- ¶18. (SBU) Unusually Fast Consular Access: Chinese Public Security Bureau (PSB) handling of a U.S. citizen currently in custody for assaulting a Beijing taxi driver (ref. a) has been strikingly different from normal practice. Several hours after being taken into detention, the American was allowed to keep possession of his cell phone and was able to make two calls to ACS. Further, once the individual's father was informed of his son,s detention, the police allowed him to see his son immediately. Finally, the PSB approved the Embassy's request for consular access and a Consular Officer is scheduled to visit the American on the afternoon of 08/15/2008. Prior to the Olympics, ACS, unvarying experience with detention cases has included no calls to or from detained individuals, no visits by family or friends, and no consular visits to the detained in fewer than four days. ¶19. (U) Xinjiang Warden Message: On 08/15/2008, ACS released BEIJING 00003139 006 OF 006 a Warden Message to all U.S. citizens registered with the U.S. Embassy to inform them of recent incidents of violence in China's far western Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region and to advise them to carefully consider plans to travel to this area. The message is available at the Embassy's website at: http://beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn/081508u 2.html. POLITICAL AFFAIRS -------------- ¶20. (C) Petitioners Dissuaded from Traveling to Beijing: According to a U.S. Embassy contact at the Chinese Ministry of Environmental Protection (protect),China,s Central Government is sending cadres out to the provinces to meet directly with protest petitioners in an effort to dissuade them from traveling to Beijing during the Olympic and Paralympic Games. According to the source, each ministry has been paired with a province, and must send cadres there to hear petitioners, grievances. (Please see Beijing 3118, dated August 14, for additional details.) Separately, U.S. Embassy Political Officers conducting routine visits to the three officially-designated "protest ones" established by the Chinese Government ave observed no protests or preparations for protests at any of the sites. Though the PSB refuses to release any information regarding applications to use the zones, information obtained from human rights groups, media, and Embassy contacts indicates that Chinese citizens applying to protest risk detention and/or removal from Beijing. (Please see Beijing 3121, dated August 14, for additional information.) ¶21. (U) Xinjiang Crackdown: Xinjiang Communist Party Secretary and Politburo Member Wang Lequan told local officials to "crack down hard" on "separatists, terrorists and religious extremists" to ensure stability during the Olympics, according to an 08/14/2008 official Beijing news service report. Wang, who made the remarks at a meeting on 08/13/2008, called for unnamed "preemptive measures" and for "weaving a tight legal net" to enable the general public to resist "the reactionary propaganda and incitation" of the alleged terrorists. ¶22. (U) Press Freedom: International media reported that International Olympic Committee (IOC) spokeswoman Giselle Davies said on 08/14/2008 that the IOC disapproves of any attempts to hinder journalists who are working within Chinese laws and regulations. She made the statement in response to a question about the detention and rough treatment of a British journalist by Chinese police on 08/13/2008 (ref. a), adding that the IOC "hopes this has been addressed. We do not want to see (such an incident) happening again." RANDT