Living with threats as part of everyday life
- Source: Global Times
- [00:41 October 12 2009]
- Comments
More than 10 days after the grand military parade on China's National Day, the presence of security forces in Beijing is much lower than before. But an uneasy mood still hangs in the air.
All subway passengers are required to have their luggage checked before boarding subway cars. In important areas of town, police remain on high alert.
All these measures are necessary, since apparently the terrorists didn't take time off during the holidays. Abu Yahya Al-Libi, a prominent Al Qaeda militant, threatened on October 7 to attack Chinese targets "in retaliation" for the July 5 riots in Xinjiang.
With terrorist attacks a frequent news item in the Chinese media, the public is having to learn to deal with the shadow of terrorism as part of daily life.
During major events, like the Beijing Olympic Games last year and the 60th anniversary National Day celebrations earlier this month, the government puts significant efforts toward preventing acts of terrorism.
But during the lulls in between such highly-visible events, while the government still holds primary responsibility for protecting China, each and every one of us should be on the alert for terrorism.
A heightened state of alert easily produces fear among the public. After the September 11 attack in the US, some New Yorkers, shocked with terror, overreacted with measures like preparing parachutes at home. Londoners, who had long been used to bomb attacks, remarked that finally New Yorkers were getting a taste of what urban life really is like.
In recent years, major metropolitan areas worldwide have successfully fended off large-scale attempted terrorist attacks, largely due to the fact that the public maintains a high degree of alertness in everyday life.
Small steps like reporting to the police a suspicious package, or tipping authorities off about a fishy tenant, might be crucial in foiling an attempted attack.
Heightened security sometimes brings inconveniences, such as long lines for security checks, or multiple verifications of ID cards at significant events. This requires the understanding and support of the public.
Terrorist threats from various groups are constantly rising in China. Densely packed urban areas, a large migrant population, and a lack of experience in dealing with emergencies all pose great challenges to China in its mission to fight terrorism.
Do not be intimidated by the terrorist threat. We must learn to live with it and take effective measures to expose planned attacks.
This will enable us to live with less stress and avoid a disastrous disruption to normal life should an attack occur.
