Beijing Blocks Radio Signals During Communist Party Centenary

A police officer keeps watch on the road that surrounds Tiananmen Square in Beijing on June 4, 2021. Greg Baker/AFP via Getty Images

Chinese authorities are to impose control over radio signals as the 100th anniversary of the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) approaches on July 1.

The new measures ban radio stations or remote control radio equipment from emitting or transmitting radio waves, and block specific frequencies from 12 a.m. to 12 p.m. on July 1, except for those approved for broadcasting activities on the day, according to a document issued by Beijing authorities on June 20.

Authorities are to prohibit using intercoms, wireless microphones, and outdoor base stations for wireless networks within the Second Ring Road that circles central Beijing.

Other types of equipment using radio waves, like remote control car models and GPS jammers, are also on the ban list, which has been drawn up with the Chinese regime’s Army Central Theater Command.

Flying objects such as doves, drones, kites, and balloons, have been banned from flying through nine city districts since June 13. The Beijing municipal authorities has designated the nine districts as “restricted flying zones” until July 3.

Additionally, on June 20, Beijing Capital International Airport reminded passengers coming into Beijing that inspections would be beefed up, suggesting reducing carry-on luggage and preparing an extra one to two hours for check-in.

The railway department has ordered a second inspection for people coming into the capital. Likewise, packages sent to Beijing are only allowed after double security checks.

Petitioners, who hope their grievances can be rectified by the central authorities, have reportedly had their travel to the capital restricted, or been stopped at security checkpoints in local railway stations.

People who reside in Beijing are also being monitored. A video provided to The Epoch Times in early June shows that six guards were assigned to a bus with devices that monitor passengers’ movements.

In the run-up to the centenary, outspoken dissidents and activists have been warned, forced to travel, or disappeared before June 4. Citizens holding spiritual beliefs, such as adherents of Falun Gong, have been harassed, arrested, or detained. Even staunch supporters of Mao Zedong, the first CCP leader, have also been been targeted.