SHANGHAI, May 19 -- Shanghai has tightened security as it prepares for the upcoming 4th Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) to be attended by several heads of state and leaders of international organizations.
Shanghai vice mayor Tu Guangshao told Xinhua on Monday that the city is fully prepared for the summit, which is scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday.
Addressing a press briefing, Tu said the summit has very high demands for security, especially "under current international and domestic circumstances."
Shanghai public security authorities will fully cooperate with security forces in nearby regions to ensure safety during the summit, Tu said.
The security measures have gained support from Shanghai citizens, he added.
At a press briefing on Sunday, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Cheng Guoping said the CICA will welcome 11 foreign heads of state, including the presidents of Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Sri Lanka.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and other international organization leaders will also attend the conference, Cheng said.
Chinese President Xi Jinping will hold bilateral meetings with foreign leaders on the sidelines of the summit.
Shanghai police have deployed SWAT and armed forces at key venues to step up patrols and security.
At other important sight-seeing spots, patrol forces on motorcycles and armed police have been stationed to ensure a prompt and powerful response in case of emergency.
Five hundred marine soldiers from China Coast Guard have also joined the security forces at the summit.
Traffic police have put in place a plan to strengthen security checks at major crossroads to ensure safe and smooth traffic during the summit.
Eighteen hospitals have been designated to provide around-the-clock medical services for the summit attendees.
Meanwhile, the summit has also recruited 300,000 volunteers to offer guide services at major public venues as well as in scenic spots and arteries.
The summit's press center was put into operation on Sunday.
The CICA was established in 1992 as a forum for dialogue and consultations. It now has 24 member countries and 13 observers.
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