Despite recent reports of a foiled terror plot and dissident protests, spokesman Qin Gang said the country has formulated a strategic plan to ensure safety during the Games in accordance with the International Olympic Committee requirements, Xinhua reported.

"A security commanding system based on the experience of previous Games has also been put in place," he said.

He said planning for the games has helped substantially raise the living standards of Beijing residents as well improve the capital's air quality, the state-run news agency reported.

Qin said the city had spent $16.9 billion in recent years on environmental issues, which resulted in raising the number of "blue sky" days, or days with fairly good air quality, to 246 last year from 100 in 1998, the report said.

He said the government also has set up a coordination workshop to help Beijing and its five neighboring municipalities and provinces initiate joint actions to ensure air quality during the Games.