Recently Beijing police have been raiding different bars in the city, asking to check passports and requiring some detained to take drug tests. Our sister publication, the Beijinger, has reported that a credible source in the Food and Beverage industry has been warned by police of impending raids. Speaking on the basis of anonymity, the source said the raids would happen across town, with closing up shop for a while being the best option. “”If we stay open, there will be police checks,” he was told (source the Beijinger).
Shockingly, a passerby and her boyfriend, who were riding by the bar at the time of one raid, were stopped by police officers for inspection. By Chinese law, foreign residents are expected to keep their passport, or a copy of their passport and visa, on them at all times. Chinese police officers were well within their rights to stop to request official documentation under the law. Read the rest of the passerby’s story here.
The US embassy also sent out a security message for US citizens, reminding them of the local law. “Chinese law allows for security officials to compel anyone to submit a urinalysis screening at any time.” The message included a reminder that even residual illegal substances taken outside of China or being near someone using drugs can lead to arrest.
As raids are not expected to slow down before the official One Belt, One Road summit, and in view of the knowledge of underage drinking in China and Beijing, beijingkids would remind parents and teachers to urge teens to stay home or at a friend’s home this weekend to avoid unnecessary trouble.
In comparison to APEC, which also brought official check stops and blue skies, the One Belt, One Road summit is a much larger initiative spearheaded by Beijing itself. “The Belt and Road Initiative aims to bring together over 60 countries in Asia, Europe, and Africa to increase infrastructure building, financial cooperation, and cultural exchange between these regions,” Wang explained in a beijingkids article earlier this year.
Due to the summit, additional delays are expected at the capital airport and at some subway stations throughout the city. Tight restrictions and closures will be in effect near Yanqi Lake and the Olympic Park area. Read more about the closures and restrictions here.
Photos: Merics, Pixabay
