A total of 7,000 police officers, military police and soldiers will be deployed on the streets of Phnom Penh today and Friday to provide security for Chinese President Xi Jinping’s two-day visit to the country, his first since becoming head of state, officials said.

The forces will include navy and air force members, and will ensure Xi’s safety as he meets Prime Minister Hun Sen and King Norodom Sihamoni, said National Police spokesman Kirth Chantharith.

“We have prepared all of the forces with attention, and we hope that there will be no problems until the delegation returns [to China] safely,” he said.

Phnom Penh City Hall spokesman Mean Chanyada said authorities had also once again been working at rounding up sex workers and homeless people from the streets in order to make the city look good for Xi.

“It is a historical visit from a power state, and the beauty along the streets has been improved – both the sidewalks and lighting along the streets have been prepared well,” Chanyada said, declining to comment further about the round-ups of people on the street.