Beijing News:

We have noted that Beijing has recently introduced a series of ground traffic and air control measures in preparation for the parade and related rehearsals. How will the impact on the daily work and lives of people in Beijing be minimized? Thank you.

Xu Guizhong:

Thank you for your question. I'll take this one. In preparing for the parade, our overriding principle has been to avoid or minimize disturbing the public, so as to reduce the impact on Beijing's residents as much as possible. Our specific measures are as follows. First, in the deployment of concentrated training sites, we have sought to select locations away from urban areas and with lower population density. Second, with regard to the rehearsal time in Tian'anmen Square, the schedule has been arranged to avoid working days, with rehearsals held at night on weekends. Third, in terms of troop maneuvers, we have carried out meticulous planning, research and simulations, and optimized the grouping, timing, routes and methods of troop maneuvers, concentrating the personnel and equipment as much as possible. The number of marching echelons and the intervals between them have been minimized. Large equipment is first parked in sites away from the urban area and then moved swiftly to the designated area in the city as ordered, so as to minimize blocking roads and to shorten the time spent in the urban area. Fourth, in terms of area control, we have worked in close coordination with the local departments responsible for traffic management, air control and special services. Detailed surveys have been conducted for each intersection, area and time period, in order to narrow the scope and duration of restrictions as much as possible. Fifth, with regard to air control, only the low-altitude airspace along the parade's designated flight route has been cleared in stages. Peak periods of civil aviation operations have been avoided, and airspace resources have been managed carefully, in order to minimize the impact on civil aviation flights. The CPC Beijing Municipal Committee, the Beijing municipal government and the public have attached great importance to the military parade, offering much understanding and support. In particular, they have provided significant assistance with regard to the living conditions, logistical support and transportation of the troops participating in the parade. I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere respect and heartfelt gratitude to the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee, the Beijing municipal government and the public. Thank you.