By JULIAN GAVAGHAN

Last updated at 09:23 08 May 2008

Demonised in the West as goons guarding the Olympic torch along its chaotic world tour, these pictures show how China's paramilitary police learn their unwavering discipline.

Officers of the People Paramilitary Police preparing for the Olympics are drilled on the parade ground with pins in their collars and crosses on their backs to ensure perfect posture.

But instead of the blue tracksuits members wore while escorting the flame, they are kitted out in full dress uniform during the exercise at their base in Shenyang, Liaoning province.

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Stop slouching! Pins prod into the neck of this paramilitary policeman

To the point: This paramilitary policeman sticks his neck out

It is hoped their presence in Beijing in August will ensure no visitor or resident steps out of line with the tough Communist regime.

In fact the biggest security effort the world has seen has been enlisted to patrol the Olympics.

At least 94,000 security staff will be deployed at Beijing in August - outnumbering the 10,500 athletes by nearly nine to one.

And The operation will be led by the People's Armed Police .

Beijing is worried activists for Tibet's freedom will fly to China to stage protests.

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Attention! Crosses are fixed to the backs of People's Armed Police officers

Crosses to bear: Paramilitary officers are given extra help to keep their backs straight

But the International Olympic Committee has said athletes should speak freely on their political beliefs, as long as they follow Olympic Charter rules.

Meanwhile Chinese President Hu Jintao today vowed to continue a recently begun dialogue with the Dalai Lama.

But he offered veiled accusations the Tibetan spiritual leader is causing more problems than he is solving.

Mr Hu, speaking at a news conference with Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, demanded the Dalai Lama stop trying to divide China, incite violence and harm Games.

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On their other mission: PAP officers escorting the torch with Konnie Huq

"We hope that the Dalai will express his sincerity through his acts," he said sternly.

"We hope the Dalai will stop acting to separate the homeland, stop orchestrating the inciting of violent acts and stop undermining the Beijing Olympics, so as to create the conditions for further discussions. We hope that the contacts will have a positive result."

The Dalai Lama has denied these accusations, which China makes repeatedly, saying he seeks only autonomy for Tibet, not independence.

He has also denied any involvement in March protests in the region that turned violent.

Representatives of the exiled Tibetan government met with Chinese officials earlier this month for the first time since 2006.

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At the double: They flip from hand to hand while kicking their legs

The talks were prompted by the recent unrest in Tibet, which China has governed since the 1950s.

China says 22 people died during anti-government riots in Tibet's capital of Lhasa in March, while overseas Tibet supporters say many times that number died in protests and a subsequent crackdown.

China's response to the demonstrations has sparked an international outcry and drawn attention to its rule of the Himalayan region — and its larger human rights record — just as it takes center stage in the run up to the Beijing Games.

The Olympic torch relay's international tour drew protests on many stops.