BEIJING 2008 SUMMER OLYMPICS: USG SITUATION REPORT

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 06 BEIJING 003146

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: 08/16/2038
TAGS: ASEC CASC CH CMGT ECON KOLY OVIP PREL PTER
SUBJECT: BEIJING 2008 SUMMER OLYMPICS: USG SITUATION REPORT
16, 08/16/2008

REF: A. BEIJING 3139

B. BEIJING 3065

C. BEIJING 3117

D. 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 08/16/2008.


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. (U) Beijing residents woke on 08/16/2008 to a second
blue sky morning, following a temperate, clear day on
08/15/2008 described by media as "one of the best days in
years." Torrential downpours on 08/14/2008 cleared the air
of smog and the sultry humidity finally broke following
thunderstorms that lasted through most of the night.
According to the Chinese Ministry of Environmental
Protection, the air pollution reading in Beijing on
08/15/2008 was the lowest in over two years with a rating of
17 micrograms of particulate matter per cubic meter, down
from an officially-reported reading of 95 on 08/08/2008, the
date of the Olympics Opening Ceremony. Chinese officials had
promised clear skies during the Olympics, but media reports
indicate that some athletes have complained about air quality
and weather conditions during the first week of competition.
The Chinese Government has made numerous attempts to improve
air quality in recent weeks, including restricting the use of
vehicles, halting construction, and closing factories around
the capital. On 08/15/2008, the International Olympics
Committee (IOC) reached an agreement with Chinese authorities
that it will not publish during the Olympic Games the air
quality data it receives from 27 IOC-affiliated monitoring
stations scattered throughout Beijing; to date, the IOC's
medical commission has not recommended the postponement of
any events due to air quality concerns.


4. (SBU) The U.S. Embassy Regional Medical Officer (RMO)
confirmed Barbara Bachman--one of the American victims of the
08/09/2008 knife attack at Beijing's Drum Tower--arrived
safely in Minnesota and is recuperating at the Mayo Clinic

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following her medical evacuation from Beijing on 08/15/2008.
A statement released by the Mayo Clinic said Mrs. Bachman
received excellent care while in China. The remains of Todd
Bachman--repatriated via a United Airlines flight on
08/15/2008--arrived safely in Chicago. The Bachman's
son-in-law, U.S. Men's Indoor Volleyball coach Hugh
McCutcheon, returned to lead his team to a straight set
victory over China on 08/15/2008 after missing the previous
three matches. The Embassy's Public Affairs Section (PAS)
continues to receive media queries and maintains close
coordination with U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) media
officials.


SECURITY ISSUES
--------------

5. (U) Threats: There is no significant threat information
to report.


6. (S/NF) Incidents: Police Report Fourth Bomb Hoax in
Hong Kong: According to intelligence reporting and
information received from the Regional Security Officer (RSO)
in Hong Kong, on 08/15/2008 the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF)
was informed of a suspicious plastic bag on a vacant mass
transit rail train parked for repairs at the Tiu Keng Leng
station; a white piece of paper stating in Chinese, "This is
a bomb" was attached to the bag. An HKPF bomb disposal unit
was dispatched to the scene and a controlled detonation was
conducted; it was determined that the bag held newspapers and
magazines. The RSO confirmed with police that no hoax device
was found. (Please see TD-314/ 060934-08, dated August 15,
for additional information.) This incident is similar to the
second incident reported on 08/14/2008 in which a bag with a
note was left near a bus stop (ref. a). The RSO believes
that the intense media coverage of the previous hoax devices
has likely sparked "copy cat" incidents such as the one
reported on 08/15/2008. Hong Kong authorities have not yet
identified any individuals involved with the recent string of
reported bomb hoaxes, though local media reports erroneously
indicated that someone had been detained in connection to an
08/08/2008 incident at the Causeway Bay rail station (ref. b).


7. (SBU) Explosion in Qinhuangdao: According to
Chinese-language media reports, an air conditioning unit at
an office in the city of Qinhuangdao exploded on 08/13/2008,
killing two. While the China Democracy website on 08/15/2008
claimed the explosion was caused by a bomb, Qinhuangdao
security forces publicly stated the explosion occurred when
the air conditioner malfunctioned and had nothing to do with
terrorism. Qinhuangdao Stadium is a venue for both men,s
and women,s soccer; neither U.S. Olympic soccer team has
played there since 08/09/2008.


BEIJING 00003146 003 OF 006



8. (S) Bomb Scare in Shanghai?: Local Shanghai press
reports indicated that Shanghai authorities on 08/13/2008
arrested a Chinese national who claimed he had a bomb and
took an office manager hostage (ref. c). Police reportedly
found no explosives on the man and the RSO in Shanghai
received no official confirmation of the incident from
Chinese Public Security Bureau (PSB) representatives.
However, the Hong Kong-based Information Center for Human
Rights has now reported the bomb allegedly held by the
individual was real and claims that nine "terrorist bomb
incidents" have occurred in Shanghai from 08/09/2008 to
08/14/2008--although it noted some of those incidents were
hoaxes. The Center previously reported a vehicle containing
explosives had been found outside the Shanghai Public
Security Bureau (PSB),a claim the PSB denied when queried by
the U.S. Consulate General in Shanghai (ref. d). Separately,
classified tearline reporting indicates that "Olympics
security forces in Shanghai found a possible explosive device
on 08/15/2008." There is no additional information available
regarding the location, nature, or Chinese response to the
device. The RSO in Shanghai and JOC agencies will continue
to monitor reports of explosives in the city given the
discrepancy between media statements and the comments of
local officials.


9. (SBU) Olympic Protests: There were no reports of
Olympics or pro-Tibet protests received by the U.S. Embassy
overnight on 08/15/2008. Three U.S. citizens affiliated with
"Students for a Free Tibet" were detained and deported by
Chinese officials on 08/15/2008 for unfurling a "Free Tibet"
banner in front of the new CCTV building (ref. a). A total
of 21 Americans have been detained and immediately deported
from Beijing in response to protest activity since
08/06/2008.


SECURITY OPERATIONS
--------------

10. (SBU) JOC Tour for Canadians and Olympics Sponsors: On
the evening of 08/15/2008, the Olympic Security Coordinator
(OSC),members of the Overseas Security Advisory Council
(OSAC),and personnel from JOC agencies hosted a successful
meet and greet for representatives from U.S. corporate
Olympic sponsors and the Canadian Government--hosts of the
upcoming 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver. The Deputy
Chief of Mission (DCM) of the U.S. Embassy welcomed the
group, who were then taken on an informal tour of the USG
inter-agency operations center. Among the visitors were
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Inspector Alex
Graham--who will head the Canadian Joint Intelligence Group
during the Vancouver Olympics--and Brent Bloxham--the senior
RCMP representative who will assist in running the Canadian
Integrated Security Unit for the 2010 Games. The

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meet-and-greet concluded with refreshments at the Marine
House.


11. (SBU) Additional Security Requested by U.S. Women's
Volleyball Coach: The USG Field Liaison Officer (FLO)
assigned to the U.S. Women's Indoor Volleyball team notified
the JOC on 08/15/2008 that Women's Volleyball coach Lang Ping
had requested additional protective coverage for her movement
through the volleyball stadium following the U.S. win over
the Chinese team in preliminary rounds. (Lang Ping is a
legendary Chinese national volleyball player who has moved to
the U.S. in order to coach the U.S. Women's team.) This
request was passed to the Ministry of Public Security (MPS),
which responded with increased security personnel to provide
"body coverage" for Ms. Ping. The MPS had also responded
favorably to an 08/14/2008 OSC request for enhanced crowd
control measures and additional security forces for the venue
movements of high-profile U.S. athletes such as Michael
Phelps, Kobe Bryant, and Jennie Finch (ref. a).


12. (SBU) Status of Injured U.S. Athletes: On 08/15/2008,
a U.S. Baseball team member was taken to the hospital with
facial lacerations after receiving a game-related injury.
According to information available to the JOC, he received
stitches and was released; he is currently at the Olympics
Village Medical Center and will not return to play additional
games. The RSO in Hong Kong has reported that the U.S.
Olympics Equestrian team member hospitalized on 08/14/2008
for an infection (ref. c) will likely be released on
08/18/2008.


13. (S/NF) Uighurs Under Scrutiny: The Hong Kong Police
Force (HKPF) in mid-August told U.S. officials that it had
increased scrutiny of Hong-Kong-based Uighurs to determine if
they had ties to attacks in China's Xinjiang Province or to
alleged East Turkestan Islamic Party (ETIP) plots to disrupt
the Olympics. Approximately 300 immigrants from Xinjiang,
including roughly 20 Uighurs, reportedly reside in Hong Kong.
The HKPF,s investigation indicated the Uighurs, most of
whom are housewives, pose no threat. (Please see
TD-314/060859-08, dated August 15, for additional
information.)


VIPS
--------------

14. (SBU) Treasury Secretary Departs: U.S. Secretary of
Treasury, Henry Paulson, departed Beijing as scheduled on the
evening of 08/15/2008. His departure concluded the U.S.
Secret Service protective mission in Beijing.


15. (SBU) Former Olympic Stars in Beijing: Former Olympic
gymnastics gold medalist Nadia Comaneci and her husband,

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former U.S. Olympian Bart Conner, are in Beijing to attend
the Games and to support Chicago's bid to host the 2016
Olympic Games.


PUBLIC AFFAIRS/PUBLIC DIPLOMACY
--------------

16. (U) Protest Zone Press Guidance: The State Department
issued press guidance 08/15/2008 noting concerns over Chinese
citizens who are reportedly being harassed, removed from
Beijing or even detained for seeking permission to protest in
officially designated protest zones. The guidance calls on
China to facilitate the issuance of permits to those seeking
to hold peaceful protests.


CONSULAR AFFAIRS
--------------

17. (SBU) Americans Detained for Ticket Scalping: Four U.S.
citizens were among a reported 110 individuals detained by
Chinese authorities on 08/15/2008 for re-selling Olympic
tickets. Three of the Americans were released early on
08/16/2008; two of the three were required to relinquish
their passports and instructed to report to the Chaoyang
District Exit/Entry Bureau to pick them up at 1430 local time
the same day. The U.S. Embassy's American Citizens Services
(ACS) unit has contacted Beijing Public Security Bureau (PSB)
officials on behalf of the fourth American, but Chinese
authorities have not confirmed her detention. Only one other
U.S. citizen has been detained and released for ticket
scalping since the beginning of the Games (ref. d).
According to Xinhua, China,s official state media, police
reportedly plan to set up bilingual placards near venues to
warn against ticket resale, which is a violation of the terms
of sale of Olympics tickets; previous press reporting has
claimed Chinese authorities have been turning a blind eye to
such activities.


18. (SBU) American with Visa Problems at Airport: The
United Airlines station manager at Beijing Capital
International Airport (BCIA) reported to Transportation
Security Administration (TSA) representatives that an
elderly, possibly indigent U.S. citizen has been camping off
and on at BCIA. The woman reportedly entered China on her
Chinese passport and is trying to return to the U.S. on her
U.S. passport. She has been told by United Airlines staff
that she should travel to a third country to switch passports
to be able to travel on her U.S. passport. The United
Airlines Station manager reported to TSA that they have not
seen her for the last 24 hours; U.S. Embassy officers are
attempting to locate the American.


19. (SBU) NBC Cameraman Recovering: NBC cameraman Darren

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Wargo, who was struck by lightning while visiting the Great
Wall (ref. a),is in stable condition. NBC is arranging a
medevac for Mr. Wargo, but the departure date is currently
unknown. No U.S. Embassy assistance has been requested.


POLITICAL AFFAIRS
--------------

20. (U) Increased Security Presence in Xinjiang:
International media reports security has increased
substantially in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region
following several violent attacks over the past two weeks. A
Hong Kong TV crew said they had to stop at several police
checkpoints while driving in Kashi Prefecture 08/14/2008 and
were forced to leave their vehicle to have their
identification checked. The crew attempted to enter Yamanya
Township--location of an 08/12/2008 attack on a security
checkpoint--via highway through Shule County, but were
intercepted by police personnel and denied entry.


21. (SBU) Increased Security Measures In and Around
Beijing: Xinhua, China's state-run media agency, reported on
08/15/2008 that the Badaling section of the Great Wall was
reopened to tourists on 08/14/2008 after being closed on
08/07/2008 for Olympic cycling events. Visitors now must
walk through metal detectors and have their bags checked by
hand-held scanners or x-ray machines in order to gain access
to the Wall; knives with blades longer than 5 centimeters are
no longer allowed at the site. A shopkeeper in a Beijing
kitchen store told a U.S. Embassy officer on 08/14/2008 that
knives will not be sold until the end of the Olympic Games,
due to the 08/09/2008 attack against U.S. citizens Todd and
Barbara Bachman and their Chinese tour guide.
RANDT