When the Olympic torch comes to Shanghai, the route will travel down Nanjing Road West past my office. I plan to be far away when that happens, heaven knows I don't want to be caught up in any big crowds here.

"The U.S. Embassy has issued a Travel Alert to update U.S. citizens about security issues in China and advises American citizens traveling or residing there to be alert to their surroundings and exercise caution at all times. The Travel Alert expires on October 31, 2008 and includes the following advice:

Any large-scale public event such as the upcoming Olympic Games may present an attractive target for terrorists. There is a heightened risk that extremist groups will conduct terrorist acts within China in the near future. In light of these security concerns, U.S. citizens traveling in China are advised to use caution and to be alert to their surroundings at all times, including at hotels, in restaurants, on public transportation and where there are demonstrations and other large-scale public gatherings. Consistent with our standard advice, American citizens are urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations.