China ramps up security from Beijing to Guangdong ahead of National Day

Public security minister has stressed the need for tough measures ‘to prevent violent and terrorist-related incidents’, making special mention of Xinjiang

Extra checks for visitors to Tiananmen Square, shoppers and train passengers in the capital, and some residents have been reminded about safety at home

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Security officers walk past the Tiananmen Gate in Beijing on Tuesday. Security is tight ahead of a huge military parade on October 1. Photo: EPA-EFE

Kinling Loin BeijingandWilliam Zhengin Hong Kong

Published: 7:15am, 19 Sep 2019Updated: 7:39am, 19 Sep 2019

China has stepped up security across the country, especially in the capital of Beijing, ahead of National Day celebrations to mark the 70th anniversary of Communist Party rule on October 1.

The tightened security, which also extends to cyberspace, covers sensitive areas ranging from the Xinjiang region in the far west to Beijing, where a grand military parade is planned, and Guangdong, the southern province neighbouring protest-hit Hong Kong.

Public Security Minister Zhao Kezhi stressed the need for heightened measures on Monday, when he chaired a national anti-terrorism conference in Beijing.

“[We need to] adopt the most stringent requirements and meticulous measures to prevent violent and terrorist-related incidents and ensure social stability,” Zhao said at the forum.

In his speech, Zhao made special mention of Xinjiang, warning that the challenges and complexity of the situation there remained acute, and calling on public security officers to maintain tough anti-terrorism measures. Beijing faces a growing international outcry over its detention of an estimated 1 million Uygurs in the remote region.

A police officer patrols with a dog at Wangfujing subway station on Wednesday. Photo: Kinling Lo