The United States, UK, Australian and French embassies in China have all issued alerts to their citizens and staff in Beijing, telling them to be extra vigilant this holiday season.
The heightened state of alert was particularly aimed at the Sanlitun district, a popular shopping district featuring high-end stores and restaurants.
The U.S. embassy said it had “received information of possible threats” targeting the district, home to many of the embassies, around December 25.
Beijing police have also reinforced their presence at shopping malls around the city. However, the city’s Public Security Bureau explained the extra security came in response to increased traffic at the commercial centers during the holiday season.
In a statement on their official microblog Beijing police said they issued a “yellow” security alert for Christmas and New Year, the second lowest level, Reuters reported. The alert was focused on areas like malls, which are likely to see more people visiting during the festivities. “Beijing police are planning ahead and taking many measures … to ensure good public order,” it said.