First press conference on the events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War

The Paper.cn:

My question is about Beijing. As the main venue for the commemoration events, what measures has Beijing taken in terms of environment design and drill organization to balance the solemnity of the event with the normal daily lives of local people? Thank you.

Xia Linmao:

Thank you for your question. Providing service and support for the commemorative activities is the glorious mission of Beijing. From the beginning of the preparation for the commemorative events, we have combined providing service and support with enhancing the city's refined management, striving to create a grand and solemn atmosphere for the event, while minimizing the disruption and impact on citizens' normal order of work and life as much as possible.

First, we improved the environments and upgraded green spaces, closely following the theme of the commemorative events, characterized by a prominent topic, a dignified and formal tone, and be both concise and safe. We completed 330,000 square meters of road paving on Chang'an Street, increased green area by 2.53 million square meters, set up 10 themed floral displays, and five rose bridges, comprehensively enhancing the landscape along Chang'an Street and creating a clean and orderly atmosphere.

Second, we scientifically organized comprehensive drills. On the nights of August 9,16, and 23, we organized three comprehensive drills, trying to minimize the closure time of Tiananmen Square. During the drills, we increased the proportion of subway transportation mode use, utilizing subway shuttles service to transport various personnel, minimizing the impact on ground transportation, especially in the central urban area. The installation and dismantling of large facilities and equipment were carried out late at night or early in the morning to reduce the impact on the public.

Third, we strengthened traffic operation guarantees, adhering to the minimizing of intervention in people's lives as much as possible, whilst coordinating the organization of commemorative activities and urban operations. The oversight of areas and duration and respective planning was precise. We released control measures to the public in advance. We combined our efforts with road traffic control announcements, studied and adjusted operation plans for each route, and adjusted toward the needs of each station. We worked concurrently with the passenger flow information of high foot traffic locations such as "seven stations and two airports" ("seven stations and two airports" refers to the seven existing train stations and two international airports in Beijing), as well as commercial market areas. This collective and coordinated effort strengthened capacity dispatch guarantees, and met the travel needs of citizens.

Fourth, we strengthened urban operation guarantees and public services. We identified and rectified hidden hazards in commemorative activity venues and surrounding areas, addressing more than 1,000 safety issues. We deployed emergency rescue teams at 270 key area guard points, organized 253 special emergency drills, further enhancing our capabilities to respond to emergencies. All these efforts will fully ensure the safe and stable operation of the city during the event.

Beijing citizens have a fine tradition of considering the national interest and the bigger picture situation. We receive strong support to our commemorative activities and the city is fully understanding of the traffic management measures taken during the event. The national helpline, 12345, ensures that citizens who called to inquire about the relevant time and location of the restrictions, are both fully aware and largely support he measures we took to minimize the impact on citizens. So, I would also like to utilize this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks and highest respect to thegeneral public and to our friends from the media present here. Thank you for your support on behalf of the Beijing Municipal Party Committee of the CPC and the Beijing Municipal People's Government! Thank you.

Shou Xiaoli:

Thank you to all our speakers and the journalists for your participation. This concludes the first press conference of the news center today. Goodbye, everyone.

Translated and edited by Liu Sitong, Liu Jianing, Liu Caiyi, Cui Can, Zhang Tingting, Yang Chuanli, Liu Ziying, Yan Bin, Huang Shan, Zhang Rui, Mi Xingang, Zhang Junmian, Zhou Jing, Liu Sitong, Li Huiru, Ma Yujia, David Ball and Tudor Bentley Finneran. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.