Beijing counts down for war anniversary celebration

Unmanned aircraft receives inspection during a military parade in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, on Beijing's Tian'anmen Square, October 1, 2009. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING - Beijing will limit cars on streets and industrial production to ensure blue skies as the city counts down for the Sept 3 military parade commemorating World War II victory.

Cars will be allowed on alternating days based on odd or even license plate numbers from Aug 20 to Sept 3, said the municipal government on Monday.

Petrochemical, building materials, printing and furniture plants in the capital will suspend or cut production during this period. Dusty construction work will also be halted.

Neighboring provinces will also take steps to cut emissions following experience from ensuring good air quality during the 2008 Olympic Games and the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings last year.

Similar measures were adopted during the two large events. Chinese netizens even coined a phrase "APEC Blue" to describe the clear blue sky.

Environmental and meteorological departments in Beijing and nearby regions will jointly carry out medium-to-long term air quality forecasts two or three times, providing data for considering preventive measures.

The moves also aim to guarantee the air quality for the IAAF World Championships, which will be held in Beijing's iconic Bird's Nest stadium from Aug 22 to 30.

Beijing has closed 185 polluting factories and its neighbor Hebei Province has dismantled nearly 700 coal-burning boilers this year in line with their annual pollution control plans.

China has scheduled a series of events to mark the 70th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, culminating in a military parade on Sept 3 in Beijing.

The parade will feature domestic and foreign troops, and China's latest weaponry. Receptions and a gala will be held in Beijing to mark the occasion. Events will also be staged in other parts in China.

Sept. 3 this year was set as a national holiday by the Chinese government.

The official logo for the commemoration highlights a striking, dominant red number "70" in the center. Above the "70" five doves fly over and behind it the Great Wall spreads in the shape of letter "V."

The "V" symbolizes victory and the unity of Chinese nation, while the five pigeons demonstrate the memory of history and the aspiration for peace, representing people from the five continents united and moving together towards a better future after experiencing "blood and fire".

Workers have repaired or replaced 215 damaged stone slabs on the roads at Tian'anmen Square. New golden sidewalk guardrails have also been installed near the square. Other renovation work is under way along the Chang'an Avenue, which passes the north of the Tian'anmen Square.

The Tian'anmen Rostrum, a landmark structure near the square, will remain closed to tourists between Aug 1 to Sept 7.