Japan bans Olympics torch 'men in blue'

The blue tracksuit-clad Chinese security guards who have followed the Olympic torch around the world will not be welcome in Japan when the flame arrives here within days, it was reported today.

Torch runners in other countries have complained that the “men in blue” tightly surrounded them and acted aggressively, shouting orders at them and snatching a Tibetan flag headband from a runner in Paris.

China’s recent crackdown on riots and protests against Chinese rule in Tibet have become a contentious issue surrounding the Beijing Olympics.

Japanese police formally turned down Chinese Olympic organisers’ proposal for about seven security officials to escort the torch next Saturday as it makes its way through the city of Nagano, site of the 1998 Winter Olympic Games, Kyodo news agency reported.

Police will let two non-security Chinese officials run alongside the torch and relight it if it blows out, however, Kyodo said.

Chinese guards protecting the torch in other cities have been picked from special police units chosen for skills in martial arts, marksmanship and hand-to-hand combat according to British-based website sinodefence.com, which specialises in Chinese military affairs.

Japan does not need to rely on other countries for security, chief government spokesman Nobutaka Machimura said at a recent news conference.

Media have reported that more than 3,000 Japanese police and security personnel will be on hand for the event.

Since the relay started in Greece on March 24 it has been a magnet for critics of China’s Tibet policies. Protesters disrupted stops in London, Paris and San Francisco.

Yesterday Japan’s well-known Zenkokuji Temple withdrew its plan to be the torch relay’s starting point, citing safety issues and its support for fellow monks in Tibet.

City officials were considering alternate starting points.