Unofficial translation of original speech given in Chinese
International Conference on Security Cooperation for 2008 Beijing Olympic Games
Beijing, China–10 September 2007
Opening speech by Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Zhou Yongkang

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On the momentum of preparations for the Beijing Olympic Games and within the spirit of friendship, solidarity and co-operation, concerned law enforcement agencies and international organizations from all over the world are gathering here in Beijing to discuss co-operation for the security of the Beijing Olympic Games, which has taken on great significance. Taking the opportunity to open this conference, I would like to, on behalf of the government of the People’s Republic of China, commend the holding of this International Conference on Security Cooperation for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, as well as to welcome colleagues from afar who are attending this conference.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The Olympics uphold the principles of peace, friendship and advancement, while embracing the spirit of “higher, faster and stronger,” which plays an important and unique role in maintaining world peace, enhancing friendship among peoples and promoting the development of international sports and cultures. It has been a long-held hope of the Chinese people to host the Olympic Games, and it is a solemn promise by the Chinese government and people to make the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games memorable, with high levels of performance in all aspects.

There is no doubt that security is one of the key points for the success of the Olympic Games. The Chinese government and law enforcement agencies have prioritised the security programme among the range of preparations for the Olympic Games through careful planning and the thoughtful deployment of resources, while putting all of their efforts into collecting information, assessing risks, preventing terrorist attacks, maintaining social security and building up capacity.

With the development of the security programme as a whole and with close co-operation and joint efforts by all stakeholders, we are now on track to enhancing all measures for preventing and dealing with security problems. The Chinese government and law enforcement agencies are determined and able to achieve the goal of a secure Olympics and to make the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games the best in international Olympic history.

Ladies and gentlemen,

In general, the security situation for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games is quite stable, but still we need to face up to the threats from both traditional and untraditional security areas such as terrorism, separatism and extremism. The objectives of a secure and smooth Olympics need full involvement and close co-operation from all countries in the world. Chinese law enforcement agencies have been actively co-operating and communicating with other countries and international organizations, through which good relationships have been established. The convening of this conference demonstrates well the solid efforts of law enforcement agencies in China and other countries plus concerned international organizations, in terms of co-ordination and co-operation, and it will promote further the mutual trust between law enforcement agencies, as well as the exchange of experiences, sharing of resources and enhancement of co-operation. I thus would like to propose all parties to work together on the following four aspects in particular:

1. To enhance information and intelligence exchange, and to perfect the security preparations for the Olympic Games. As we all know, intelligence is the key to the security of the Olympic Games. I hope that all parties attending this conference will discuss deeply the international security situation that the Beijing Olympic Games is facing and the security risks that respective delegations will encounter. Intelligence exchange and risk assessment need to be enhanced and a swift and effective preventive system needs to be established in order to eliminate all potential threats to the security of the Beijing Olympic Games.
   
   
2. To strengthen international co-operation in countering terrorism to prevent and suppress terrorist activities. Terrorist attacks are the most severe menace for the Olympics. I hope all parties can adopt practical measures to tighten the monitoring and control of cyberspace and borders, to conduct the timely exchange of up-to-date information on terrorist groups, and to jointly prevent and fight international terrorist activities targeting the Beijing Olympic Games.
   
   
3. To share practical experiences to prevent and handle accidents and emergencies. The handling of accidents and crisis situations is a big challenge to the security programme of the Olympic Games. I hope all parties can actively exchange experiences in making preventive plans, handling accidents and emergencies, conducting cross-country operations, and dealing with the aftermath of accidents and emergencies, thus to effectively prevent and properly handle accidents and emergencies.
   
   
4. To adopt effective measures to ensure the smoothness of the torch relay for the Olympic Games, an important component of the Games. I hope that countries and cities through which the torch will pass will put high importance on the relay. Practical security plans need to be put in place and well-implemented in order to ensure the safe and smooth torch relay of the Beijing Olympic Games.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The 2008 Beijing Olympic Games have caught the attention of the whole world, and the shared objectives bring us together for close co-operation. Let us work together to meet the challenges for a safe and harmonious Olympic Games. Lastly, I would like to give my sincere wishes to the success of this conference, and wish you all a happy stay in Beijing.

Thank you.