INCREASED SECURITY PRESENCE FOLLOWS ATTACK ON AMERICAN COUPLE, OTHER MINOR SCUFFLES
I just returned to the Main Press Center in Beijing and there is a tank out front with a soldier peering through its window. There is also one in the rear of the massive building, where armed soldiers in fatigues stand guard.
Yep, tanks and guns.
Well, I am told these vehicles are not tanks, that they aren’t mounted with a large enough turret — although I never tend to split hairs when it comes to anything with bullets. If it can shoot them, it’s not a good thing.
Word is, these are armored personnel carriers, capable of being used in amphibious operations in lakes and streams as well as for extended cross-country travel. It is a front-line service vehicle in combat situations and has been declared one of the world’s top infantry fighting vehicles.
To me, there’s a specific definition for all of that detailed description: tanks.
There is no question the slaying of the father-in-law of the U.S. men’s volleyball coach and other minor scuffles have increased the security presence around the city. Specific to this are scenic spots such as the Olympic village, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and Drum Tower, where the attack on Todd Bachman and his wife took place Saturday afternoon.
Tanks and guns. I’m not sure whether to feel safe or worried.
— ED GRANEY
