The UK and U.S. embassies in China have issued warnings to their citizens to be on guard for possible threats against Westerners in Beijing on or around Christmas Day, saying they have received information regarding the popular Sanlitun region of the city.
The French and Australian governments have also urged their citizens to remain vigilant.
Security was tightened around the area, which is popular among foreigners and home to shops, bars and some embassies, on Thursday. Dozens of police, some with rifles, were standing on guard and roads leading into the embassy area were closed to traffic.
Beijing police also announced Thursday that they had issued a yellow security alert to ensure safety during the Christmas period. According to Beijing’s security regulations, the alert is the lowest on a three-tier security warning scale for large stores or shopping and entertainment areas and is issued in case of receiving threats or finding suspected explosives.
The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice page for China, saying: “The British Embassy Beijing has received information of possible threats against Westerners in the Sanlitun area of Beijing, on or around Christmas Day. British citizens are urged to exercise heightened vigilance. The UK Embassy has issued the same guidance to British Government Staff.”
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