Beijing tightens security amid warnings of threats against Westerners

BEIJING, China -- Beijing police tightened security around a bar and shopping area popular with foreigners on Thursday as embassies issued warnings their citizens to be on guard for possible threats against them.

The American, British, French and other embassies said they had received information of possible threats against Westerners in the Sanlitun area on or around Christmas Day, and urged their citizens to be vigilant.

In a statement, the U.S. Embassy said it had "received information of possible threats against Westerners in the Sanlitun area of Beijing, on or around Christmas Day. U.S. Citizens are urged to exercise heightened vigilance."

Dozens of police, some with rifles, were standing on guard in the area, which has many big-name brand stores and some embassies. Roads leading into the embassy area were closed to traffic.

Beijing police also announced Thursday that they had issued a yellow security alert to ensure safety during the Christmas period.

According to Beijing's security regulations, the alert is the lowest on a three-tier security scale and is issued in the case of the receipt of threats to safety or finding suspected explosives.

Police commonly issue a yellow alert during holiday periods.