An anti-terrorism expert has been appointed executive vice-minister of public security amid intensified efforts to ensure a trouble-free Olympic Games.
On Sunday night, the ministry's website posted news of the appointment of Yang Huanning, former member of the standing committee of the Heilongjiang provincial Party committee and secretary of the province's political and law committee.
He returns to the ministry ahead of the Olympics because of his rich experience in police affairs, especially in anti-terrorism, ministry sources said.
In charge of the country's counter-terrorism affairs before moving out of the ministry in 2005, Yang will now be responsible for not only anti-terrorism operations, but also day-to-day affairs.
His predecessor, Bai Jingfu, was named deputy director of the internal and judicial affairs committee of the National People's Congress in March.
Experts see Yang's appointment as the latest move to beef up security for the Olympics.
"As the Games draws near, it's becoming clear that the government has made anti-terrorism operations its top priority," said Li Wei, director of the anti-terrorism research center of the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations.
"Yang's appointment to such a key post will strengthen such efforts further."
Li said: "To me, he's more of a (counter-terrorism) expert than an official."
Though senior police officers have warned of "real terrorism threats to the Olympics", the measures taken by the government should ensure a safe Games, Li said.
A four-day State-level anti-terrorism drill was completed in Beijing over the weekend to test the city's emergency response capacity and establish better coordination among security forces including the military, police and medical teams.
Also, 40 anti-terrorism teams have been established in the capital to deal with possible biological or chemical attacks, bombings, and nuclear or radioactive accidents, Xinhua reported. They will be on round-the-clock alert from July 1.
Questions:
1. How was the appointment of Yang Huanning announced?
2. Why was Yang chosen to head the ministry?
3. Forty anti-terrorism teams are capable of dealing with what situations?
Answers:
1.On the Public Security Ministry’s website.
2. Because of his rich experience in police affairs, especially anti-terrorism.
3. Biological or chemical attacks, bombings, nuclear and other radioactive accidents.
（英语点津 Helen 编辑）
About the broadcaster:
Bernice Chan is a foreign expert at China Daily Website. Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Bernice has written for newspapers and magazines in Hong Kong and most recently worked as a broadcaster for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, producing current affairs shows and documentaries
