As part of Beijing's increased security plan during the Olympic Games, park areas where protesters can convene during the international sporting event have been designated.
"We must secure a good flow of traffic and good environment, and also good social order," Liu Shaowu, director of the Beijing Organization Committee for the Games' (BOCOG) security department, said during a press conference this week. "So generally speaking, we will invite those participants to demonstrate in designated places."
He added that this is a common practice in other countries.
Beijing's Ritan Park, World Park and Purple Bamboo Park will be the designated protest areas, according to news reports.
At the press conference, held to give further details about Beijing's security plan, Liu said that China has laws on assembly and demonstration with "clear procedures for the application and conduct of such demonstrations."
According to BOCOG, those that wish to express their views during the Games must apply and have their gathering approved by authorities, after which their rights of participation will be protected by the Chinese government.
Liu added that 110,000 soldiers are being brought in to provide security during the Games.
Liu acknowledged the threat of terrorist attacks during the Games, but said that BOCOG is "confident we can deal with all the threats and risks and challenges."
Some of the security measures BOCOG has undertaken include creating an intelligence center and command offices in all the host cities; surveillance and alarm systems at all the venues; and 24-hour guards and patrols at all venues.
BOCOG also said it sent people to do site inspections of the 2004 Athens Olympics, 2006 Torino Winter Olympics, and the 2006 German World Cup sites, as well as the sites of other international sporting events. BOCOG established a memorandum of cooperation with the Greek government and invited security experts from the International Olympic Committee to make suggestions.
Additionally, BOCOG has reached out to Chinese citizens and participants in the Beijing Olympics to help with security measures. "We want everyone to be part of our security program," said Liu.
The 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing will take place Aug. 8 to 24.