Is it an acceptable custom for security guards to silently without any explanation grab people by the arm and move them to where they are supposed to be standing in China? Or is this just a Beijing airport security guard thing?

I'm no expert in this area, but from what I know, authorities in China can pretty much do whatever they please. I don't think that Civil Rights are high on their priority list.

Did this happen to you? Do you look like you might not understand Chinese? Maybe he did it without talking because he felt you wouldn't understand his instructions. If he wasn't rough about it, I wouldn't be upset. Heck, I've had photographers (here in Canada) grab me and move me around without telling me what they were doing.

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Originally Posted by dmatos

Did this happen to you? Do you look like you might not understand Chinese? Maybe he did it without talking because he felt you wouldn't understand his instructions. If he wasn't rough about it, I wouldn't be upset. Heck, I've had photographers (here in Canada) grab me and move me around without telling me what they were doing.

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It wasn't the non-talking only. It was the strength of the grab, the military-like-uniform, the belligerent facial expression and the total non-necessity of the grab since I was standing in line and people in line don't need to be herded like cattle in order to know they are next unless they are mentally handicapped in some way. Even then a simple universally understood gesture suffices. And if it doesn't then the person shouldn't be in public without a guardian.

This was just one in a series of nasty things which ultimately led to the death of my fiancée who was waiting for me in Nanning.

BTW
I am not judging all Chinese by what occurred to me in the Beijing airport and its surroundings.

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Originally Posted by Starman

This was just one in a series of nasty things which ultimately led to the death of my fiancee who was waiting for me in Nanning.

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My experience is that a majority of Chinese authorities are helpful and personable to foreign visitors. However they are under no obligation to be friendly, gentle nor respectful towards anyone, foreign or Chinese. China is a totalitarian police state whose primary objective is to retain civil obedience.

The Chinese PLA and local police receive no benefit from China's growing economy or tourism market and probably couldn't care less if Joe America enjoyed his trip to the Great Wall or not. That said, I think most Chinese - police or civilian - are naturally inclined to be hospitable and kind towards foreigners. Remember, most Chinese people have had little or no interaction with westerners, so in addition to being somewhat a mystery and novelty here, I think foreigners in China are largely considered as welcome guests.

I personally would be interested in hearing about what happened to your fiancée in Nanning, if you care to PM me to discuss it.

Lastly, I wrote an article about crime in China and how this effects us expats and travelers, if you care to read:

Crime in China

Oh yes. Normal. And, they do it at will.

Beijing airport security - ooo... I wasn't allowed to bring my two cans of Dr. Pepper and two cans of A&W cream soda back with me... they made me open each one before I went through security. And what good are cans if they're opened! Rah...

My experience (two years) in China led me to the conclusion that the little "bubble-o'-personal-space" that we Westerners prize is not relevant in Asia. It just takes some getting used to...

How long have you been in China?