As the “September 3rd Military Parade” approaches, security measures in Beijing have been upgraded. On August 29th, two military enthusiasts were punished for flying drones around a “militarily sensitive area.”
According to a report from the Chinese Communist Party’s “State Security Department” WeChat public account on August 29, recently, there have been multiple instances of drones hovering around military areas such as a military airport and an air force training base in Beijing, suspected of filming the training activities of military aircraft participating in the parade.
After investigation, it was found that military enthusiasts Zhao and drone pilot Yang flew drones around the military sensitive areas for entertainment and curiosity without approval from relevant departments. They were subjected to administrative penalties for their violations.
On September 3rd, the Chinese authorities will hold a military parade in Beijing.
According to the report, from July 16th, 2025, to September 3rd, 2025, Beijing has designated the administrative areas of nine districts, including Dongcheng, Xicheng, Chaoyang, Haidian, Fengtai, Shijingshan, Tongzhou, Changping, and Mentougou, as restricted airspace, prohibiting the launching of drones, model aircraft, or any objects that may affect flight safety. Additionally, from August 29th, 2025, to September 3rd, 2025, the administrative areas of seven districts including Daxing, Shunyi, Fangshan, Pinggu, Huairou, Miyun, and Yanqing will also be restricted airspace.
Furthermore, with the approaching military parade on September 3rd, Beijing has deployed a large number of security personnel, stationed at every three steps around Tiananmen Square, with a police officer and a dog at each entrance and exit of subway cars. Some subway stations in Beijing have been closed for two consecutive days since August 23rd. There are intensified security checks in various areas, restricting residents from leaving their towns, and visitors in Beijing are being forcibly sent back.
According to Beijing residents, gas supplies have been cut off in buildings along Chang’an Street, and residents are required to have meals collectively or in takeout boxes. Opening windows is strictly prohibited on street-facing homes. Cars, kitchen knives, hammers, and sharp objects in every household must be registered. Gasoline in the tanks of vehicles must be emptied, and outsiders are not allowed to stay overnight. Community police stations and neighborhood committees must organize personnel for round-the-clock patrols. The Beijing authorities are on high alert.
Previous reports mentioned that before the military parade, residents were prohibited from leaving their town, and as the parade approaches, strict control measures have been imposed on dissenters in Beijing.
In anticipation of the September 3rd military parade, Beijing and other regions are closely monitoring dissenters.