The Chinese Foreign Ministry said Tuesday the authorities have beefed up security after the United States warned of a possible terrorist attack against Americans in Guangzhou one week before U.S. President George W. Bush visits Beijing.

The government is taking measures to ensure the safety of foreigners and foreign organizations in China, Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao told a press conference Tuesday.

"China's public security departments called an emergency meeting immediately after receiving the warning and have made serious and responsible deployments." Liu said.

The U.S. embassy published the warning on its Web site Sunday.

It said the threat also exists for places where Americans are known to congregate or visit, including clubs, restaurants, places of worship and schools.

A police car patrolled Shamian Island, where the U.S. consulate general is located, while another car was stationed outside the visa section in Tianhe District, the Southern Metropolis Daily said.

Editor: Donald