China to send 'harmony makers' to Urumqi

(CNN) -- China is sending 7,000 officials to the western city of Urumqi after last week's deadly protests over a strange series of syringe stabbings, state-run media reported.

The officials, known as "harmony makers," are meant to ease tensions after demonstrators, demanding better police protection, clashed with police for two days.

"The officials will go door to door to explain policies and solve disputes," said Wang Lequan, secretary of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Regional Committee of the Communist Party of China, according to the Xinhua news agency.

Note: The following text is a quote:

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_4180.html

Travel Alert

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of Consular Affairs
This information is current as of today, Wed Sep 16 2009 00:28:13 GMT-0700 (PDT).

China - Security Concerns in the City of Urumqi

September 09, 2009

The State Department alerts U.S. citizens to safety and security concerns in China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, particularly in the city of Urumqi. U.S. citizens are advised to carefully consider travel to the Xinjinang Uyghur region at this time. This Travel Alert expires on December 10, 2009.

On September 3, 2009, thousands of Chinese took to the streets of Urumqi to demand increased security after reports of alleged needle stabbings. According to New China News Agency (Xinhua) and other news sources, five people were killed and fourteen were wounded in the protests. Following an early-July outbreak of ethnic violence, tensions have continued and a heavy security presence is in place in Urumqi, Kashgar, Hotan, and other major cities in the region.

The Embassy is closely monitoring the situation in Xinjiang. U.S. citizens in Xinjiang, and especially in Urumqi and other regional cites, are advised to avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place. Banks, shops and schools in Urumqi may close unexpectedly. Communications and transportation routes have reportedly been restricted; however, the Chinese authorities report the airport, railway, and roads remain open.

U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the Department of State’s travel registration website. By registering, American citizens can receive the Embassy’s most recent security and safety updates during their trip. Registration also ensures that U.S. citizens can be reached should an emergency arise either abroad or at home. While consular officers will do their utmost to assist Americans in a crisis, travelers always should be aware that local authorities bear primary responsibility for the welfare of people living or traveling in their jurisdictions.

Beijing: The U.S. Embassy is located at No. 55 An Jia Lou Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing. The American Citizen Services section can be contacted during regular business hours and for after-hours emergencies at (86)(10) 8531-4000 or at amcitbeijing@state.gov. For detailed information please visit the U.S. Embassy web site. The Embassy consular district includes the following provinces/regions of China: Beijing, Tianjin, Shandong, Shanxi, Hebei, Henan, Hubei, Jiangxi, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Shaanxi, Qinghai, Gansu, and Xinjiang.

Chengdu: The U.S. Consulate General in Chengdu is located at Number 4, Lingshiguan Road, Section 4, Renmin Nanlu, Chengdu 610041; tel. (86)(28) 8558-3992, 8555-3119, Email: consularchengdu@state.gov. For after-hours emergencies please call (86)(28) 1370 800 1422. This consular district includes the following provinces/regions of China: Chongqing, Guizhou, Sichuan, Tibet, and Yunnan.

Guangzhou: The main office of the U.S. Consulate General in Guangzhou is located at Number 1 South Shamian Street, Shamian Island 200S1, Guangzhou 510133. The Consular Section, including the American Citizens Services Unit, is now located at 5th Floor, Tianyu Garden (II phase), 136-146 Lin He Zhong Lu, Tianhe District; tel. (86)(20) 8518-7605; after-hours emergencies (86)(20) 8121-8000, Email: GuangzhouACS@state.gov This consular district includes the following provinces/regions of China: Guangdong, Fujian, Guangxi, and Hainan.

Shanghai: The Consular Section of the U.S. Consulate General in Shanghai is located in the Westgate Mall, 8th Floor, 1038 Nanjing Xi Lu, Shanghai 200041; tel. (86)(21) 3217-4650; after-hours emergencies (86)(21) 6433-3936. Email: Shanghaiacs@state.gov. This consular district includes the following provinces/regions of China: Shanghai, Anhui, Jiangsu and Zhejiang.

Shenyang: The U.S. Consulate General in Shenyang is located at No. 52, 14th Wei Road, Heping District, Shenyang 110003; tel. (86)(24) 2322-1198; Email: ShenyangACS@state.gov. For after-hours emergencies (86)(24) 137-0988-9307. This consular district includes the following provinces/regions of China: Liaoning, Heilongjiang, and Jilin.

13. Travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States or outside the United States and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

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