China hosts an unprecedented summit starting in the Chinese capital on Saturday with the leaders of 48 African countries.

The complex logistics involved in managing so many heads of state and their entourages has allowed the city a mini-dry run for the 2008 Olympics. Some roads and schools are closed and local cars restricted. A legion of police and grim, plain-clothes security guards has spread along main thoroughfares and around five-star hotels, providing a glimpse of the challenge Olympics organisers face in delivering a friendly games.