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