China's armed policemen held an exercise at an army base in Beijing Wednesday, signaling the beginning of full-scale security training for next year's Olympic Games.

During Wednesday's exercises, more than 30 police units responsible for security at the Games practiced security measures such as gesture language, venue patrolling, and guarding.

During the first phase of the training, scheduled from May to December 2007, the police will focus on fundamental security training and individual patrolling practice, according to a military official.

Anti-terrorism troops will have additional training related to handling emergencies and subjects relating to terrorists activities.

During the second phase from January to April 2008, the troops will conduct on-site practices along with test events of Olympic venues, according to the official.

Policemen are to perfect their security abilities during the last phase from May to June 2008.

During the Olympics, Beijing expects to receive 550,000 foreign tourists and about 2 million domestic tourists in the capital city.

(Xinhua News Agency May 17, 2007)