The US Consulate in Hong Kong has boosted security to guard against millennium dangers ranging from Y2K computer breakdowns to terrorist attacks.
Americans have been warned to stock up on food, water, fuel and any medicines they need, and extra security has been put in place at the consulate as part of a global move to protect US missions.
'We are in a heightened state of alert for this period,' consulate spokeswoman Mia Qi said yesterday, declining to be specific about security arrangements.
Hours earlier, officials in Washington, where security is being beefed up over the New Year, said there were concerns that Americans abroad could be targeted by terrorists during New Year celebrations.
David Carpenter, assistant secretary of state for diplomatic security, said the State Department was preparing for 'violence by radical millennium cults and civil disorders resulting from Y2K disruptions to critical infrastructure'.
'Both our posts overseas and the department are prepared to respond to these potential security emergencies,' Mr Carpenter said.