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CNN LIVE EVENT/SPECIAL

Attacks Heighten Security Concerns at APEC Summit

Aired October 18, 2001 - 06:12   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
LEON HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: Let's talk a little bit more about this Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit -- APEC Summit. This current one was planned and was well in the works before the terrorist attacks occurred on September 11.

However, the attacks have heightened the security concerns there and changed the face of Shanghai. Hard to tell from these pictures you see here, but CNN Beijing bureau chief Jaime Florcruz takes a look at the measures taken to protect the summiteers.

JAIME FLORCRUZ, CNN BEIJING BUREAU CHIEF CORRESPONDENT (voice- over): Overzealous inspectors, menacing police patrols and empty streets -- not quite the impression China had in mind as host of the APEC meeting.

But in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks, and the start of the U.S.-led military strikes in Afghanistan, China is not taking any chances. It has tightened security measures to ensure that the summit in Shanghai of 21 Asia Pacific leaders, including U.S. President George W. Bush, will proceed safely.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The thing with terrorism, it never quite occurs exactly when you expect it or when you expect it or how you expect it. So the ability to react flexibly will be the key challenge.

FLORCRUZ: China has laid out layers of security defenses. They denied visas to Middle Eastern and Pakistani applicants, and tightened border inspection at international gateways. In Beijing, airport police confiscate any sharp object and even toy guns.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: After the September 11 incident, we have set higher and tougher security standards. And for the APEC meeting, we are taking even more precautionary measures.

FLORCRUZ: In Shanghai, some streets are nearly deserted as residents take authorities' advice to stay home or leave town.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (through translator): I am going to Beijing, since my company gave us five days off. I am taking the airport bus, but they moved the bus stop because of APEC, so I don't know where the new bus stop is.

FLORCRUZ (on camera): Chinese leaders had hoped Shanghai could present a gentle image as host of the APEC Summit, but security concerns have forced them to take extra precautionary measures, as they do in this hotel where President Bush will stay. Their goal is to look relaxed on the outside, while remaining tight on the inside.

Jaime Florcruz, CNN, Shanghai.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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