China's Hu says Olympics security is top priority

By Chris Buckley

BEIJING (Reuters) - Guaranteeing security is the top priority of the Beijing Olympics, Chinese President Hu Jintao has said, and a mobilization order has gone to national paramilitary troops telling them to ensure a trouble-free Games.

Hu and other leaders did not mention worries about protests, riots and terrorist threats on Monday at the lighting of the Olympic Games torch in Beijing, but on Tuesday the official newspaper of China's anti-riot forces spelt out their concern.

"Security must take priority," Hu told officials, according to the People's Armed Police news.

"Without security guarantees there cannot be a successful Olympic Games, and without security guarantees the national image will be lost."

The paper also released a "political mobilization order" to the People's Armed Police (PAP) troops telling them to prepare for an arduous time ensuring order and control before and during the Games, which are held in August.

"The drums of war are sounding, a decisive battle is at hand. For the sake of the Chinese nation's image and for the honor of the People's Armed Police, let us never forget our duty."

The official warnings come in the wake of anti-Chinese riots and protests in Tibet and nearby western provinces in March, and after international rights groups vowed protests at the Games to highlight their complaints about China's policies on human rights and media controls, Sudan's Darfur region, and Tibet.

China has also said it has foiled terrorist acts by Uighurs seeking an independent homeland for their largely Muslim people in the western region of Xinjiang.