Beijing tigthens security at Tian'anmen Square as Olympics near

BEIJING, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Beijing enacted a set of rules on Monday to tighten security around the Tian'anmen Square in the heart of the national capital.

The revised rules, based on a regulation implemented in 2004, added new regulations banning dangerous items, including explosives, poisonous and radioactive articles, guns, knives, drugs, and other items that post risks to social order and public security, according to the law office under the municipal government.

The rules also allow unannounced searches of people and vehicles by police in the vast square, a political symbol as well as a popular tourist destination in the country.

The revision is aimed at safeguarding security and stability, improving administration around the square, and ensuring security and order during the Olympic Games, said Zhang Peili, an official with the law office.

"Security around Tian'anmen is very important and has great international influence. The revision will help prevent and stop all kinds of extremist and terrorist incidents and maintain public security," said Zhang.

The random security check will not be called off after the grand sports event, according to Zhang.