Jason & Susan

Got two emails from U.S. consulate regarding possible terrorist attack in Beijing. First email yesterday stated the discovery of a possible planned attack and second email today stated that chinese public security bureau denies the source of information and assures the embassy everything is fine. Highly doubt that any country would dare to attack and provoke China, but whatever the case, the chinese public security would never make public announcements like these, especially in a foreign press. Words must have slipped out (whether true or not) and they’ll say anything to restore public peace (such as “China doesn’t have SARS!!”). Travelers should register at the embassy in any case. Please read the emails below and take these warning messages with a grain of salt.

Email from yesterday

This warning was posted on the US Embassy website today. Beijing Broadcast of November 9, 2005

< http://beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn/110905u.html> The Embassy has learned that Chinese police advised hotels that Islamic extremist elements could be planning to attack four and five star hotels in China sometime over the course of the next week. Chinese authorities have assured the Embassy that they are taking appropriate security measures and investigating the possible threat thoroughly. American citizens visiting Chinese four and five star hotels should review their plans carefully, remain vigilant with regard to their personal security, and exercise caution. Reports should be made to local police if one notices unusual activities in or around these areas. Americans living or traveling in China are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Beijing through the State Department’s travel registration website,

< https://travelregistration.state.gov>. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy by calling (86)(10) 6532-3431 x5344. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. Some parts of the Department of State Web site may be censored in China. If you have trouble logging onto this Web site, you may also have our families in the U.S. register on your behalf.

Email from today

The Chinese Ministry of Public Security informed the U.S. Embassy in Beijing on November 10 that Chinese security authorities have determined that the source of a reported threat against four and five star hotels in China is not credible. The United States Government is not aware of any other information of any threat against hotels in China, including Hong Kong. Our warden message of November 9 on threats to hotels is therefore retracted.

Americans living or traveling in China are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Beijing or the appropriate Consulate General through the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov. Americans in the Shanghai Consular District who cannot access this website should contact the ACS unit at Shanghaiacs@state.gov or by fax 6217-2071. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. U.S. citizens planning to travel to China should consult the Department of State’s country-specific Public Announcements, Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets, the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement and other information, available at http://travel.state.gov. Up-to-date information on security conditions can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 in the U.S. and for callers outside the U.S. and Canada a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.