Security tightens ahead of congress

Beijing authorities launched a campaign to inspect the transport of dangerous goods across the city, as a new measure to strengthen the security operations for the upcoming 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

According to the Beijing Traffic Management Bureau, it started the campaign on Wednesday using GPS and other technological methods to ensure the safety of transported dangerous goods.

"We initiated this campaign jointly with other departments, such as the municipal public security bureau, in order to crack down on any violation against the transportation rules on dangerous goods," a press officer from the traffic bureau, who refused to give his name, told the Global Times Thursday.

Dangerous goods refer to materials which easily pose risk in transportation, such as explosives, compressed gas, flammable liquids and toxic substances.

The Global Times found that train stations in Beijing have tightened security inspections, and have deployed more staff to deal with the increase in security measures.

"I've noticed more police officers patrolling in the station square and inside the station. They normally ask suspicious people to show their ID cards and check their belongings," a cleaner at the Beijing South Railway Station told the Global Times Thursday.

According to the Xinhua News Agency on July 27, China will consolidate a security belt around Beijing before the city hosts the 18th National Congress of the CPC during which a new generation of leaders will be elected.

The Ministry of Public Security ordered police on July 24 across the country to enhance management and control measures to ensure stability, Xinhua said.

At the meeting, 2,270 delegates have been elected to represent the 80 million members of the Party. It has been announced the congress will be held in the latter half of this year without a specific date, Xinhua reported on August 13.

The Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau on August 15 established temporary headquarters to manage security for the meeting. Fu Zhenghua, chief of the Beijing police, vowed to take tough measures to ensure the congress goes smoothly, according to the Beijing Daily.

"We must improve our combat ability in order to create a harmonious and stable social environment for the successful opening of the congress," he was quoted as saying by the paper.

Furthermore, on Monday, Beijing announced the launch of a security operation named "center protection project," a move to crack down on crimes and violations near the Tiananmen Square area, such as unlicensed vendors, illegal taxis and unofficial tour guides, the report said.

Although no details were revealed on the size of the security operation for the congress, reports indicated that if police follow the same protocols as during the annual two sessions in March, more officers will be deployed ahead of the meeting, the South China Morning Post reported on August 17.