Who are these guys?

If you've watched the news in the last few days I'm sure you're aware of the Olympic torch protests that are taking part all over the world. After viewing these protests I was wondering who are these dudes in the blue track suits that are guarding the torch? It turns out these guys were recruited from Chinese specialist squads in the People's Armed Police (PAP), a one-million strong force dedicated to maintaining public order.They even have a special name, "The Olympic Holy Flame Protection Unit." These are the same guys that were sent to quell the protests in Tibet. How are these guys allowed to control the security operation in London and in Paris? Witnesses in London noticed squirmishes between this unit, local police and even the Olympic authorities. You can read more about it from the Telegraph.