[edited 30 April]
There we go again. In its draconian approach – no people, no foreigners, no trouble makers, no unruly masses – the Chinese Paranoid Brigade has apparently decided the Olympics were great – less people less trouble. So, this year the clean-up is in view of the “celebration” of 60 years China (never mind some other “anniversaries”). Not a celebration for all though, please stay home in your foreign country and watch the military parade on your HDTV with a beer and some chips. Too bad for the business people, the planned seminars and congresses. Some are starting to be postponed. Never mind the hotels, the tourism agencies, the food and beverage sectors. And the export sector. Don’t come to buy your toys in the coming months. Go somewhere else instead and leave us alone here. Screw the recession.
Indeed, all those hoping for their F visas (stands now for F####ing visas), bye bye. The usually super-busy months of September / October will make way for blue skies.
I guess Beijing will again erect its security perimeter around the city. Don’t dream about coming from other provinces into the city. And do not bring washing powder and shampoo. Too dangerous. You non-Beijingers, stay home and watch TV, OK! Cross the border without proper papers and you might get shot (as I learned some days ago in Hebei Province).
Of course expect the denials. Like the ones (Qin Gang, Foreign Ministry spokesman): “Many people have a false impression that the Chinese government fears the Internet. In fact, it is just the opposite”. Yeah, you bet. YouTube gone. And all the others, thanks to the Great Firewall. No fear, just that Chinese are all toddlers sitting in a huge kindergarten. They need to be protected from negative influences.
Shanghai 2010? Another big event without visitors?

Well, at least we have China Daily to cheer us up. They also like a good pair of legs and more. Let’s see if the new guys from “The Global Times” come up with more and better.
See here what China Economic Review wrote:
China to boost security ahead of PRC anniversary
29 April 2009
China on Tuesday announced plans to boost public security in preparation for the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, AP reported, citing state media. The new security campaign will begin in May in order to ensure “a steady and harmonious social environment” for the anniversary celebrations slated for October. Police will step up efforts to rein in criminal gangs, arrest wanted criminals, and crack down on robberies and phone scams. Local officials have been encouraged to “carry out in-depth patriotic educational activities” which should “guide people to love the party” and recognize the advantages of socialism. Visas for foreigners will also be restricted. China enacted similar security measures in the runup to the Olympic Games in Beijing in August of last year.