Local officials in Beijing are putting up more checkpoints and increasing police presence to ramp up security for the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings in China.
A Beijing Municipal Security Bureau official said that 140 rural roadblocks, 38 temporary roadblocks and 22 checkpoints have been established by the force to bolster security.
During the previous 10 months of vehicle inspections and checks, local police have seized 881 kilograms of harmful chemicals, over 1,000 knives, over 1,200 grams of illegal drugs, 1,003 suspects and other illegal pyrotechnics.
According to BMSB vice head Zhang Jing, 161 police stations in downtown Beijing have been fitted with explosion-proof blankets, knife-proof uniforms and bulletproof protective head gear.
In addition, detectors, security gates, explosive-removal robots and X-ray machines have been added by the local force to bolster security in the capital.
Another addition to increase security for the upcoming international meetings is the acquisition of a medium-sized helicopter by the Beijing police force.
"It will be used to take high definition photos and send them back," said BMSB airman officer Zhu Pengfei.
Zhu also said that the helicopter has the capability to carry and deliver relief goods if needed.
Themed "Shaping the Future Through Asia-Pacific Partnership," the event from Nov. 5 to 11 will be another high-profile multinational gathering in China since the 2008 Summer Olympics.