Security greets torch in Beijing

Updated 22.53 Mon Mar 31 2008
Keywords: August, Olympic, Beijing, torch, Liu Xiang, Hu Jintao

The Olympic torch has arrived in Beijing ahead of the opening of the Olympic Games on August 8.

President Hu Jintao took part in the televised event at Tiananmen Square, holding the torch before passing it to Olympic hurdler and gold medallist Liu Xiang.

There was tight security amid fears of anti-government protests

There was tight security amid concerns of anti-government protests. Last week protesters opposed to Chinese actions in Tibet clashed with police at the torch lighting ceremony in Greece.

The Olympic torch will visit 22 cities on five continents in an 85,000-mile relay around the world themed as a "Journey of Harmony", arriving in Beijing for the Games opening ceremony on August 8. On Tuesday, the torch will go to Almaty in Kazakhstan.

In London, torchbearers including former Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq, classical violinist Vanessa Mae and England cricketer Kevin Pietersen will carry it from Wembley Stadium to the O2 Arena.

Protesters will stage events in the capital throughout the day, including an alternative relay with a "Tibetan freedom torch". Some officials have criticised the campaigners for using the torch for political ends.

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