U.S. warns of attack in China

U.S. warns of attack in China

CHINA: The U.S. Embassy in Beijing said on Wednesday that
Chinese police had warned that Islamic extremists might be
planning to attack luxury hotels in China over the next week.

The U.S. warning, posted on the embassy's website, urged
Americans visiting Chinese four- and five-star hotels to "review
their plans carefully, remain vigilant with regard to their
personal security, and exercise caution".

China's foreign ministry had no immediate comment.

"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," the U.S. notice said.

"Chinese authorities have assured the Embassy that they are
taking appropriate security measures and investigating the
possible threat thoroughly," it added.

The embassy offered no further details.

Security was expected to be further beefed up in Beijing
during a visit by U.S. President George W. Bush scheduled for
Nov. 19 to Nov. 21. -- AP