Forbidden treasures taken in Beijing



There's always a heavy military presence in front of the Forbidden City.

 China's communist rulers are no doubt red faced with embarrassment this morning after reports began circulating that seven pieces of art have been stolen from the Palace Museum within the heavily guarded Forbidden City.

Talk about Forbidden treasure.

It's the first such robbery at the most famous of all Beijing landmarks in the last 20 years. Police are reported to be looking for a 27-year-old man in connection with the theft.

After just visiting the Forbidden City on my latest trip to Beijing last month, I can't understand how the thief  made off with the precious pieces since the entrance and exits are so heavily guarded by police and troops.

Is all this new-found wealth making the Chinese soft?

The stolen items - which were on loan to the museum - include a purse and women's make-up cases that date from the beginning of the 19th century. Some are encrusted with precious stones and are worth millions.

News reports say the thief got into the complex by knocking a hole in a wall.

You can bet heads will roll for this breach of security.