China: CCP National Congress to take place in Beijing from Oct. 16

Event

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) will hold the National Party Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing beginning Oct. 16. The event, which occurs once every five years, will draw nearly 2,300 party leaders from around the country. There is no designated end date for the meeting, but enhanced security measures, localized transport disruptions, and commercial restrictions will likely remain in place through at least Oct. 23.

Security
Authorities have increased security in Beijing in the run-up to the National Party Congress. The Ministry of Public Security will deploy thousands of police personnel to patrol the capital during the event. A noticeable security presence - possibly including military equipment and troops - is likely throughout the city. However, the most stringent security measures are likely near government facilities located near Tiananmen Square. Noticeable security measures are also possible at tourist sites, markets, and neighborhoods such as Wangfujing and Sanlitun.

Although major protests are highly unlikely, minor demonstrations cannot be ruled out during the NPC. Small groups of petitioners or anti-government demonstrators could attempt symbolic protests in and around Tiananmen Square or other landmarks in the capital, including the Zhongnanhai leadership compound and the National Petition Office. If protests occur, security personnel will move quickly to arrest participants; clashes are possible. Reports indicate that officials have increased checks on potential protesters attempting to enter Beijing.

Transport
Security measures could lead to minor transport disruptions throughout the capital. Tighter security checks are likely at airports in the city. Heavy security and additional security screening checkpoints are likely at railway and bus stations in Beijing through Oct. 23. Police will establish checkpoints at subway stations near Tiananmen Square and the Great Hall of the People. Without prior notification, officials may restrict access to and from the Jianguomen, Dongdan, Qianmen, Wangfujing, Tiananmen East, and Tiananmen West subway stations.

Security personnel will probably close roads near Tiananmen Square, including Chang'An Road, Qianmen Street, Guangcheng West Side Road, and Guangcheng East Side Road, during the event. Additional, periodic roadblocks are possible, especially on secondary streets in central Beijing, causing localized traffic disruptions in Dongcheng District.

Commercial Disruptions
Business disruptions are possible on dates surrounding the National Party Congress. Several markets could close in the days leading to the meeting. Authorities have shut down construction work and factory production at sites in Beijing before significant events in the past; such measures remain possible, especially if air pollution affects the region. Officials are requiring enhanced inspections of inbound shipments, potentially leading to delivery delays. Authorities have also previously limited the handling of hazardous and flammable chemicals at ports during important events.

The government will further tighten telecommunications controls ahead of the meeting. The use of virtual private networks (VPNs) is already heavily restricted, though the impact will vary depending on the service; disruptions are less likely if using a state-approved service. Slower internet speeds will probably occur, particularly on days immediately surrounding the congress. Cellular service disruptions could also occur, particularly when traveling near sensitive sites in the capital. Authorities could enhance blocks of unapproved messaging applications and social media sites.

Advice

Consider avoiding Tiananmen Square and the surrounding areas in Beijing Oct. 16-23. Allow additional time for travel, especially in central Beijing. Reconfirm any scheduled meetings at government facilities. Do not discuss sensitive political issues in public, including around taxi drivers or over the phone. Carry proper identification at all times and follow the instructions of authorities. Be prepared for possible bag searches at transport centers and other sensitive locations.