Chinese authorities heightened security in central Beijing as the military conducted two rehearsals on 9-10/8 and 16-17/8 in preparation for the parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory over Japan in Tiananmen Square.
Beijing police established numerous checkpoints, diverting traffic from several routes and closing various shopping malls and office buildings in anticipation of the official parade on 3/9.
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Visitors queue at a security checkpoint in front of Tiananmen Square, Beijing, on 19/8. Photo: Chosun |
Visitors queue at a security checkpoint in front of Tiananmen Square, Beijing, on 19/8. Photo: Chosun
Lee Eun-young, Beijing correspondent for South Korea's ChosunBiz, reported encountering a police checkpoint about 500 meters from Tiananmen Square on the afternoon of 19/8. Pedestrians were required to present identification and have their bags checked.
"After waiting for over 5 minutes at a barricaded pedestrian crossing, I showed my passport and opened my bag. The police confiscated wet wipes from my bag," Lee said. "When I asked why, they simply replied 'alcohol'".
Lee believes the police confiscated the wipes, or any items containing alcohol, as a fire safety precaution.
In Wangfujing, a popular pedestrian street just one subway stop from Tiananmen Square, barricades were densely placed along the streets. Traffic police used loudspeakers at intersections leading to Chang'an Avenue to direct traffic.
Last weekend's rehearsals led to the closure of several areas, including Tiananmen Square, the Guomao area in the city center, and Beijing Railway Station. Tourist activities at historical sites resumed on 18/8, with visitors subjected to rigorous security checks.
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Drivers queue in front of a barricade, awaiting instructions from traffic police in the Wangfujing area on 19/8. Photo: Chosun |
Drivers queue in front of a barricade, awaiting instructions from traffic police in the Wangfujing area on 19/8. Photo: Chosun
The 70-minute parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of victory over Japan will take place in Tiananmen Square, with Chinese President Xi Jinping and several foreign leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, expected to attend.
The Chinese military has mobilized over 500 pieces of military equipment and 200 aircraft for the event. In a press conference on 20/8, Chinese Ministry of National Defense officials stated that tens of thousands of personnel would be involved, but did not specify the exact number.
Hong Hanh (From Chosun/Reuters)
