Explosive sniffer dogs are expected to work around Beijing

China - Beijing officials are reinforcing the city with more sniffer dogs, yet another sign of the stringent security expected to greet the Olympics when the games open in less than 10 weeks.

The explosive-sniffing dogs are expected to work around Beijing´s 31 Olympic venues, the airport, subways, railway stations and shopping malls, the state-run Xinhua News Agency reported on Tuesday.

Xinhua also reported Tuesday that the country´s postal service has suspended mailing parcels containing liquids until Oct. 31.

Both measures reflect the concerns of Beijing Olympic organizers, who have become increasingly concerned about the ways the games might be tarnished by security threats. There is also concern because of promises by activist groups to use the games to air grievances against China´s authoritarian government.

About 160 dogs are being shipped to Beijing from around the country, where they will work with 44 from Beijing´s public security bureau.

The dogs range in breeds from Labrador Retrievers to German Shepherds, to Springer Spaniels, Xinhua said.

The ban on liquids shipped by post includes all kinds of chemical products, sealed containers with unidentified gas or liquids, and other powder goods, Xinhua said.

Last month, Beijing postal officials said they would beef up inspections of parcels being sent to other Olympics host cities, including Shenyang, Tianjin, Qingdao, Shanghai and Qinhuangdao.

In April, the Chinese aviation authority also instituted a liquid ban for carry-on baggage on domestic flights.