Security tightened in Beijing as 18th party congress approaches
Residents of Beijing are feeling the effects of the upcoming party meeting, with ban on open taxi windows and the sale of knives
The final meeting of the Communist Party's outgoing Central Committee opened at the Jingxi Hotel in Beijing amid tight security yesterday.
The suburban location was heavily guarded by both police and security personnel.
The meeting will finalise preparations for the once-in-a-decade leadership transition in a week's time. Ahead of that, Beijingers have received instructions about how to behave and to ensure there is no spreading of subversive leaflets. Taxis have removed window handles.
Behind closed doors, about 370 members and alternate members of the Central Committee are discussing a draft revision of the party constitution and a report to be delivered by the party's general secretary, Hu Jintao, at the opening of the party's 18th national congress on November 8.
They are also expected to announce the expulsion of disgraced Chongqing party boss Bo Xilai from the Central Committee.
So far there has been no official announcement about what had been discussed at the committee's meeting or when it will end. Analysts believe it will last for three to four days because Premier Wen Jiabao is due to visit Laos on Monday.