BEIJINGERS’ BELOVED autumnal pastime of flying kites and pigeons has fallen foul of a massive security campaign.
The crackdown comes ahead of the National Day celebrations to mark 60 years of Communist Party rule. Even balloons are out for the duration of the festivities.
City authorities have said that Beijing will have nearly 1.4 million security volunteers for an enormous military parade which is taking place on October 1st, and they will ensure that the only airborne activity comes from the People’s Liberation Army fighters and bombers doing their fly-bys.
The ban on flying kites, pigeons and balloons, as well as gliding and hang-gliding, runs from September 15th to October 8th.
One of the signature sounds you hear during the autumn, which alongside spring is the best weather in Beijing, is a strange humming sound above your head from a flock of pigeons, whose owners have attached tubes to their legs to produce an airborne symphony as they fly.
Li Runhua, head of the public security squadron of the Beijing municipal public security bureau, said pigeons, kites and balloons were banned even at celebrations and shopping promotions.
Mr Li encouraged residents to report to police if they find suspicious flying objects.
It’s not just little birds – big birds are affected also. All flights in and out of Beijing will be cancelled for the duration of the parade on October 1st from 9am to noon. Beijing air traffic controllers have to handle the air force parade team on the National Day.
Nothing is being left to chance, and security is already oppressive – this correspondent’s apartment faces out on to Chang’an Avenue, along which the parade will run, and we have been given strict orders not to open our windows, use our balcony or invite our friends to visit, and we have to wear a security pass at all times.
This week, police have also started to check every vehicle entering Beijing at nearly 200 major road intersections and security checkpoints.
More than 7,000 police have been patrolling the city’s major roads and business districts since August 22nd, and the National Day celebrations have become a default excuse for any kind of inconvenience or irritation.
Authorities have also called on local authorities to continue cracking down on “violent crime, drink driving, pornography, gambling and drug abuse to enhance the people’s sense of security leading up to the celebrations”.
An eight-day public holiday will run from October 1st.