Beijing Clamps Down Ahead Of Key Meetings

Unprecedented security is being implemented in Beijing ahead of historic political gatherings in the coming weeks.

Delegates to the mainland's top advisory body, the Chinese People Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), and the National People's Congress (NPC) are arriving for the meetings starting from Saturday.

A sizeable police presence is visible along Chang An Avenue – the main road that leads to the Great Hall of the People where meetings of the CPPCC and NPC will be held.

People walking in and around Tiananmen Square are being subject to identity checks by policemen, who are present in large numbers in the area.

Fences, that were not seen in previous meetings, have been erected around the Beijing Hotel in Wangfujing where Hong Kong's deputies to the NPC are staying.

Policemen were also seen stationed at entrances to the hotel and patrolling around the area. Guests are also required to go through security checks.

As well as the police, dozens of so-called "Capital Security Volunteers" are stationed every 20 to 30 metres apart.

The CPPCC meetings will start on Saturday, and the NPC meetings will start on Monday.

The party is proposing to amend the constitution that limits presidencies to two five-year terms at the NPC meetings. The move is seen as paving the way for President Xi Jinping to remain in power after he's due to step down in 2023, and has drawn much criticism.