Chinese capital steps up security ahead of start of belt and road forum

A heavy police presence can be seen in the streets of Beijing before the start of this week’s event

Commuters from the surrounding province of Hebei faced longer waits at checkpoints and members of the public are banned from the summit’s venue

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A paramilitary police officer seen in the Chinese capital on Monday. Photo: Reuters

Published: 7:06pm, 16 Oct 2023Updated: 6:32pm, 20 Oct 2023

Security in the city of Beijing has been significantly tightened ahead of thebelt and road forum – a gathering that marks the 10-year anniversary of Chinese president Xi Jinping’s flagship multinational investment initiative.

In Liangmaqiao, Beijing’s embassy area, police vehicles could be seen on most blocks, with community safety volunteers and security guards stationed at almost every crossing and on footbridges near the area. The tightened security follows last week’s knife attack on an Israeli embassy employee.

Days ahead of the summit, police in the Chinese capital issued a notice banning the use of all civilian drones in the city.

Commuters who live in the surrounding province of Hebei also reported longer waits at checkpoints for those travelling to and from the capital. A WeChat page for commuters in the nearby town of Yanjiao said that buses were being stopped and all passengers made to show their ID before being allowed to continue.

The security measures were most visible near the China National Convention Centre, an eight-story building near the Beijing Olympic Park which is hosting the event.

The authorities have closed the roads around the venue, sealed off subway exits, and banned members of the public from entering the area.

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