Tightened security for leaders' meetings sees flights grounded
Beijing has strengthened air security ahead of the annual sessions of the top advisory body, which starts tomorrow, and the National People's Congress, which starts on Friday.
All non-commuter flights are forbidden within 200 kilometres of Tiananmen Square, where the sessions are being held until March 15, Xinhua reports.
The ban covers not only aircraft used for entertainment or sports activities but also model planes and balloons.
All runway or take-off and landing points at Beijing's flying clubs have been closed.
A visit to an aircraft model shop found the models had been sealed and their motors removed. Customers who bought models within the period of the ban would have their identities registered, the report said.
In a meeting last week to ensure security during the Third Session of 11th National People's Congress and the 11th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, vice-minister of public security Huang Ming ordered police to strengthen the supervision of hazardous materials and 'large-scale events' - a euphemism for protests - and tighten security checks on traffic going into Beijing.
Police were also asked to visit communities to check on potential problems, help authorities settle disputes and crack down on illegal activities.
Traffic control will be tightened for the next two weeks. Drivers of cars registered outside Beijing municipality who need to go inside the Fifth Ring Road will have to apply for a permit. Vehicles transporting dangerous items and chemicals cannot enter.
