(EastDay.com, China)The People's Liberation Army has set up a special unit to provide security against possible terrorist attacks and other major disruptions at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, a senior officer said yesterday.

A command center has been organized and team members from the army, navy and air force have been trained, said Tian Yixiang, director of the military bureau for the Beijing Olympics security command center.

The PLA security unit will deal mainly with non-traditional threats such as possible biochemical and nuclear terror attacks, Tian told 65 defense attaches from 54 foreign embassies in China who attended a briefing on PLA security preparations for the Olympics.

Under the games' security plan, the PLA unit will be responsible for protecting the airspace around all arenas and maritime safety in coastal venues.

The unit will help police forces prevent and deal with any terror attacks as well as rescue operations in disaster and accident situations.

The PLA will be responsible for managing border control and to stop East Turkistan terrorist organizations, Falun Gong adherents and Tibetan separatists from getting into the games.

It will also prevent disruptions by organizations wanting to pressure the Chinese government during the games.

Many PLA forces will remain on alert in the air and at sea to ensure the safety of the Beijing Olympics, Tian said. The military will also provide security for the equestrian arena in Hong Kong if the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government requests assistance.

"It is international practice for military forces to participate in security for Olympic games," Tian said. "The PLA has completed emergency plans for non-traditional threats."

The military bureau of the Beijing Olympics security command center sent delegations to learn from Australian and Greek military experts and observed security drills for the Commonwealth Games.