US issues terror alert to citizens in south China
(AP)
Updated: 2005-11-14 23:05

The United States has alerted Americans living in southern China after receiving "credible information" that a terrorist threat may exist against US government facilities in the city of Guangzhou.

The threat "also may exist for places where Americans are known to congregate or visit, including clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools or outdoor recreation events," according to a statement.

The message, posted on the website of the US embassy in Beijing as well as consulates in Beijing and in Hong Kong, advised Americans in south China to remain alert to possible threats.

A Beijing embassy spokeswoman, Sheila Paskman, said the threat was "completely different" from one investigated last week, which Chinese police said was a hoax.

Last Wednesday US missions in China said Chinese police had warned that Islamic extremists could be planning attacks on luxury hotels in China this week, ahead of US President George W. Bush's three-day visit starting Saturday.

Similar warnings were posted on the websites of US consulates in several Chinese cities. They were quickly withdrawn after Beijing said the threat was a sham fabricated by an unidentified foreign national.

The US embassy spokeswoman said that this time the embassy had received direct information.

"We received credible information of a possible threat," said Paskman, who declined to say how it was received.

"We are working with the Chinese on following up on this and the Chinese have assured us in helping us ensure the safety of our citizens."

She said it was normal procedure for US diplomatic missions to inform US nationals of any potential threat to their safety, even if investigations later rule out any threat.

Californian governor Arnold Schwarzenegger arrived in Beijing on Monday for a six-day trip.

Former US president George Bush is also in Beijing for a forum on China-US relations as is US Trade Representative Rob Portman.