China sends policeman to protect sporting delegation at Rio Olympics

Beijing, Aug 4: China has sent a policeman to the Rio Olympics to help protect its sporting delegation, media and travelling spectators, state-media said today, after a Chinese hurdler said he had been robbed.

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The policeman named Shao Weimin, whose official title is temporary police communication officer, arrived in Rio two months ago to prepare for his role, the Beijing News reported.

"My main job is to strengthen communication with Rio police so that we can better protect the safety of Chinese sports delegates, tourists, journalists as well as all Chinese citizens in Rio," the state-run China News Service quoted him as saying.

Shao's role is as a "diplomatic" officer who is mainly responsible for communication and will not directly carry out police duties in Brazil, the reports indicated.

The report came after Chinese hurdler Shi Dongpeng told state media that his personal computer was stolen on arrival in Brazil, posting security camera images of the alleged thief on his verified social media account.

Chinese Olympic-goers have been victims of frequent theft in Brazil, China's foreign ministry said last week in a warning to its citizens abroad to take greater safety precautions.

The warning received widespread coverage in China, which hosted impressive Games at a massive cost eight years ago, generating much national pride.

Chinese internet users have accused the Rio Olympics of being unsafe and inferior to Beijing's 2008 offering.

AFP