Security tightens in Beijing ahead of APEC meeting

Beijing is ramping up security ahead of this week's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting by setting up more checkpoints and police stations, confirmed local authorities on Monday. [Special coverage]

According to an official with the Beijing Municipal Security Bureau (BMSB), they have set up 22 checkpoints, 38 temporary roadblocks and 140 rural roadblocks, strengthening vehicle checks around the clock.

In the past ten months, police have seized 1,003 suspects, 1,235.3 grams of drugs, 881 kilograms of dangerous chemicals, more than 1,000 knives, and illegal fireworks through vehicle checks.

In downtown Beijing, 161 police stations were equipped with bulletproof helmets, knife-proof uniforms and explosion-proof blankets, said Zhang Jing, vice head of the patrolmen contingent with the BMSB.

Police also added X-ray machines, security gates, detectors and explosive-removal robots so as to improve security checks in China's capital.

To complete a three-dimensional command network during the summit, police bought a medium-sized helicopter.

"It will be used to take high definition photos and send them back," said Zhu Pengfei, an officer with the airmen contingent of BMSB. "It can also carry relief if necessary."

A series of APEC meetings bearing the theme "Shaping the Future through Asia-Pacific Partnership" will be held from Nov 5 to 11 in Beijing, one of the city's highest-profile international events since the 2008 Olympics.