Thousands of people have gathered along nearly 10-kilometer Olympic torch route in the western U.S. City of San Francisco where hundreds of police are bracing for more anti-China protests.
Security was tightened before the start of the relay, as authorities tried to prevent a repeat of chaotic demonstrations that have followed the flame as it traveled through London and Paris.
The torch is being kept at a secret location in San Francisco - its only stop in North America. Officials say they may change the route at the last minute.
The city is home to one of the largest Chinese American communities in the U.S. On Tuesday, several hundred activists marched in San Francisco to condemn China's recent crackdown on anti-government protests in Tibet.
On Monday, three protesters scaled the cables of the Golden Gate Bridge to hang pro-Tibet banners.
California stringer will send a live report on the Olympics Torch relay in San Francisco.
Saifur Rahman Osmani Jitu has more on the story.
