Authorities in Beijing are set to implement stricter measures, as a vice public security minister has urged police forces in and around the capital city to enhance security to ensure "the absolute safety" of people and participants in the two upcoming major events: the Athletics World Championships in late August and a military parade in September.
Vice minister of public security Huang Ming told senior police officers from Beijing and 13 other provincial regions during a security work conference on Tuesday, Aug. 4, that police forces must maintain local social stability during the said events.
"The bottom line is, anti-terrorism work must be implemented well to ensure terrorist plots are foiled before they can be carried out," Huang told the officers. He also urged the police to intensify the inspection of safety hazards to prevent fire and traffic accidents and strengthen patrol measures to improve police visibility in key areas.
Huang also ordered the officers to heighten security checks by setting up checkpoints at highways, railroads and airports, especially roads linking with and leading to Beijing.
A series of events will be held in the country to mark the 70th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War against Japanese Aggression, which will culminate in a military parade on Sept. 3 in Beijing.
According to the municipal government, they will limit cars on the streets and industrial production to improve the air quality as the city counts down for the Sept. 3 military parade.
The local government announced on Monday, Aug. 3, that cars will be allowed on alternating days based on odd or even license plate numbers from Aug. 20 to Sept. 3.
Neighboring provinces will also take steps to cut emissions to ensure good air quality for the IAAF World Championships, which will be held in Beijing's iconic Bird's Nest stadium from Aug. 22-30.
Sept. 3 was declared a national holiday by the Chinese government this year.