Chaos, inconvenience – but blue skies – for long-suffering Beijingers during China’s grand summit
Flights delayed, subway stations closed, roads blocked, security tight across the capital. But clear skies give residents cheer
Groups of armed police officers gathered outside Beijing’s airport and subway stations. A cluster of stations in central Beijing shut – including several near Tiananmen Square – with trains zooming by without stopping.
Volunteers in conspicuous blue uniforms and red armbands patrolling the streets downtown. Dozens of soldiers standing at rigid attention at the media centre near the Bird’s Nest Olympic stadium as well as outside five-star hotels around town. Security guards examining with extraordinary care every nook and cranny of each vehicle passing through their checkpoints.
It wouldn’t take long for even the most uninformed Beijinger to realise that an important event was being held in the capital.
China’s biggest diplomatic event of the year – the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation – kicked off on Sunday, attended by state leaders from almost 30 countries and regions.
Beijing residents woke up in the morning to find many roads blocked across the city as traffic controls were put in place. Highway checkpoints into the capital were backed up with traffic jams. At the airport, travellers experienced serious flight delays as incoming planes took longer to touch down.