Beijing tightens control ahead of the paradepublished at 01:04 British Summer Time
Laura Bicker
Reporting from the parade
The stage is set in the heart of Beijing for a grand display of power and military might that has been choreographed by President Xi Jinping.
But Beijing has grown quieter as the parade draws closer – a demonstration of the Party’s control over a capital city that is home to more than 21 million people.
Part of what has been driving the extra-cautious preparations is fear that discontent among Chinese people, especially young people, could spill over.
Airport security scanners have been installed in some office entrances. All drones are banned and international journalists have been visited at home, some on multiple occasions, to ensure they get the message.
Guards have been stationed 24 hours a day at the entrances to overpasses and bridges to prevent any protests. Some of these guards are in army uniforms.
Three years ago, when the Party chose Xi as its leader for a historic third term, a protester unfurled a banner over a major highway bridge criticising Xi and calling for his ouster. He was taken away instantly and we still don’t know what happened to him.
That is a moment the Party does not want to relive.