American Citizens Services Newsletter

Warden Message (11/09/05)

Possible Terror Threat to Hotels in China

The American Embassy in Beijing sent the following message to American Citizens on November 9, 2005:

The Embassy has learned that Chinese police advised hotels that Islamic extremist elements could be planning to attack four and five star hotels in China sometime over the course of the next week. Chinese authorities have assured the Embassy that they are taking appropriate security measures and investigating the possible threat thoroughly. American citizens visiting Chinese four and five star hotels should review their plans carefully, remain vigilant with regard to their personal security, and exercise caution. Reports should be made to local police if one notices unusual activities in or around these areas.

Americans living or traveling in China are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Beijing through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy by calling (86)(10) 6532-3431 x5344. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.

U.S. citizens planning to travel to China should consult the Department of State's country-specific Public Announcements, Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets, the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement and other information, available at http://travel.state.gov. Up-to-date information on security conditions can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 in the U.S. and for callers outside the U.S. and Canada a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

Protest at the American Consulate November 10

The Hong Kong Police informed the American Consulate that at around 1200 on Thursday, November 10, a group of approximately 50 Filipinos calling themselves "United Filipinos in Hong Kong" is expected to march to the American Consulate General from HSBC/HQ in Central. The group is protesting a recent rape, allegedly committed by a US Marine, in the Philippines. No threat is expected and it will be a peaceful march as expressed by the group.

As a result of the above report, the American Consulate General Hong Kong Regional Security Office is making the following recommendations:

• On November 10, between the hours of 1100 and 1300 or until the protest subsides, the RSO Office recommends that personnel not use the main entrance on Garden Road. Person with appointments for Consular Services will be admitted via our normal public entrance.

• If you are outside of the Consulate compound and see a demonstration in progress, please leave the area and return at a later time. Please be cognizant of the yellow security light at the main vehicle entrance. If the light is on, do not attempt to come into or exit the Consulate.

• Avoid all persons who appear to be protesters and do not wear anything that identifies you as an American.

• Report suspicious activity to the Hong Kong Police and the Consulate security office as appropriate.

 

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This message is published by the American Citizens Services Unit, U.S. Consulate General, Hong Kong, tel: 2841-2211, 2841-2323, 2841-2225; fax: 2845-4845; e-mail: acshk@state.gov; website: http://www.hongkongacs.com; All services by online appointment only.

To subscribe, simply register with us at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/.

If you prefer not to receive further messages from this office, please email us at acshk@state.gov

U.S. CONSULATE GENERAL HONG KONG
26 GARDEN ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG

 

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Last modified: November 10, 2005