Apec China summit: from traffic curbs to tree planting, Shenzhen’s plans enter final phase

Construction workers have been working late into the night in downtown Shenzhen as the city makes its final preparations for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in two weeks’ time.

On a weekday night, a South China Morning Post reporter saw at least 50 construction workers gathered at an intersection about 1km (just over half a mile) from the Apec venues in the central district of Futian, laying down pebbles and planting trees along the pavements.

The main road that leads up to the newly built Shenzhen International Communication Centre has also been dug up, with a new layer of asphalt being laid on top. All the lamp posts were decorated with flags reading “Apec China”.

Security has been heightened in the area, with plain-clothes police blanketing the area. In the daytime they could be seen everywhere near the venues, walking along the fences or sitting on the side of the road – and some even in the bushes.

Leaders from several other Apec economies will also attend in person to take part in a range of events, including discussions and meetings with business leaders from across the region.

The summit is expected to draw over 2,000 participants from political, business, media and other circles.

Business representatives from all 21 Apec economies will take part, while leading companies from several non-Apec economies – including Britain, France, Germany and Switzerland – will also be present, according to Wang Wenshuai, a spokeswoman for the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.

A source familiar with arrangements said the summit represented a major logistical undertaking for US diplomats.

Unlike US President Trump’s meeting with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in Beijing earlier this year, when the US embassy played a key role, the Apec summit has required more work.

“Washington has to fly in more consignments to Shenzhen ahead of the meeting to support President Trump’s security and other needs,” the source said.

“A mobilisation of the US diplomatic teams across Greater China is also expected to support the Shenzhen meeting, especially those fluent in Chinese and familiar with ground protocol work in mainland China.

“The Beijing embassy and consulates in [the] mainland and Hong Kong are all expected to contribute manpower to the major diplomatic undertaking.”

A US Air Force C-40 Clipper transport jet – typically used to transport security personnel and advance teams for official events – reportedly landed in the southern Chinese city on September 30 after flying from Joint Base Andrews near Washington to Yokota, Japan.

But the summit is also having an impact on local residents amid a particular focus on security and transport.

Last week, Guangdong’s provincial police chief Liu Guozhou visited the city and asked the local authorities to “persistently address various risks and potential hazards, [and] rigorously implement all security control measures”.

Police have been patrolling the area while community staff have visited residential compounds in the area, going door to door to register everyone’s information, including details of any cars or drones owned by the household.

The Shenzhen government has announced that a series of traffic restrictions will also come into place ahead of the summit, and some trucks will be temporarily banned from the city.

To reduce traffic, 90 per cent of official vehicles, including those from state-owned enterprises, will be banned from the road, while the authorities have called for residents to use public transport instead of driving.

Car owners who register their intention not to use their vehicles are being offered fare cards as an incentive.

At least 50 local companies – including smartphone brand Honor, camera maker Insta360 and Ping An Insurance – have introduced a series of flexible working measures such as letting people work from home or take time off.

The authorities are also keen to use the event to drum up more business for local companies, showcasing the city’s strengths in areas such as electronic information, artificial intelligence, the low-altitude economy and new energy at a series of events where local businesses can meet potential foreign partners.

On Friday, Beijing said the maximum stay in China for holders of the Apec Business Travel Card would be extended to 90 days, effective from November 1.

The card is available to business travellers and senior government officials from Apec economies who meet certain criteria. All members, excluding the US and Canada, fully participate in this scheme.

Holders enjoy fast-track entry and exit and can make multiple short-term trips to pre-cleared Apec economies without having to make a separate visa application.