BEIJING - CHINESE police will hold a 'Great Wall' anti-terrorism exercise this week as the nation prepares to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, state press said on Monday.

The exercise will begin on Tuesday in regions around Beijing, where the major events marking the 60th anniversary of the republic will be held in October, the People's Daily said.

The 'Great Wall' exercise will test anti-terrorist forces in Inner Mongolia and in the provinces of Shanxi and Hebei over the coming week, it said.

'The exercise is aimed at testing the combat, inspection, rapid response and joint action capabilities in order to improve the ability and expand the scope of fighting terrorism in and around Beijing,' it said. -- AFP