Update | Security high near China defence ministry after subway stations shut
Stations reopened after abrupt closures but it’s unclear if heightened security due to opening of ‘Belt and Road’ international trade initiative summit on Sunday
Security was high near the Ministry of National Defence in Beijing on Thursday morning after the authorities had earlier closed down several subway stations in the city for several hours with little warning.
The heavy security presence near the ministry’s headquarters comes as the capital prepares to host a summit for China’s “Belt and Road” international trade initiative on Sunday and Monday.
Several subway stations were closed in the centre of the city on Thursday morning, including one near the Chinese People’s Revolutionary Military Museum, close to Ministry of National Defence.
In Dianmen West Avenue, where three subway stations were closed, a heavy police presence was seen at major intersections, with patrol cars and civilian-plate vehicles with uniformed officers inside. At some intersections dozens of police officers had been deployed. The closures had been announced just before midnight on Wednesday but no reason was given.
The stations reopened just before noon, the subway authority said in a statement on its social media account. Police were withdrawn, too.
