Security in China, especially Beijing, is at an all time high with the opening ceremonies for the Summer Olympics

Security in China, especially Beijing, is at an all time high with the opening ceremonies for the Summer Olympics currently underway. According to officials, the Olympic Green in the capital was shut down at midnight on 7 August, so that security teams would be allowed to sweep the area for bombs before the beginning of the ceremony. Only individuals with opening day stickers will be allowed on the Green. These increased security measures will last until midnight on 9 August. The Chinese news agency Xinhua reported that increased restrictions on transportation have gone into affect in the immediate vicinity of Olympic venues. Specifically, all vehicles will be banned from the following: the Second Ring Road; the north side of the Fourth Ring Road, and all streets surrounding the National Stadium. Local media reported on 7 August that no protests have been authorized on the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games (BOCOG)-approved protest zones. Chinese officials have denied several applications, and in one instance protesters were told to leave Beijing. However, as seen in recent days, a number of individuals have staged unauthorized demonstrations in Beijing. Emerging reports indicate that during the opening ceremonies, three U.S. pro-Tibet protesters were detained en-route to the National Stadium. Officials stated that they were planning to carry Tibetan flags, which goes against the rules and regulations for the Games. Regarding the aviation sector, the Chinese Aviation Authority (CAA) reported that all flights entering Beijing air space during the Olympics will have to provide their flight number, flight level, position and security situation on their aircraft and that those aircraft that do not comply will be directed around Beijing air space.