China’s security forces are going into overdrive as Beijing prepares for a once-in-a-decade political transition that will usher in new leaders to guide the world’s second-largest economy.
In advance of the 18th party congress, the week-long meeting that begins on Thursday and will choose a new leadership, the capital city has mobilised sweeping security measures, some aimed at seemingly innocuous activities such as flying toy helicopters, opening taxi windows or purchasing fruit knives.
“It seems a bit over the top,” said one Beijing cabbie instructed to disable the rear windows on his taxi to prevent passengers from opening them to distribute political leaflets or otherwise make trouble. “It’s the first time they’ve asked us to do this,” he added.