As the military parade on September 3 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War is approaching, China’s Ministry of State Security reminded on Friday the public to respect airspace restrictions following a case that military enthusiasts were caught illegally filming aircraft training session.
The ministry said in a post published on its WeChat account that national security hotline recently received reports of drone hovering near military airport and air force training base in Beijing, suspected of filming aircraft participating in parade rehearsals.
Investigations confirmed that a military fan surnamed Zhao and a drone operator surnamed Yang had repeatedly flown drones in restricted military areas without authorization, citing curiosity and entertainment purposes.
Both were handed administrative penalties, while the whistleblower was rewarded for reporting activities that endanger national security.
Building on a previous notice by the Beijing municipal government, which designated nine districts — Dongcheng, Xicheng, Chaoyang, Haidian, Fengtai, Shijingshan, Tongzhou, Changping, and Mentougou — as no-fly zones, the government has decided to broaden the restricted areas.
From August 29 to September 3, an additional seven districts — Daxing, Shunyi, Fangshan, Pinggu, Huairou, Miyun and Yanqing — will also be subject to airspace restrictions.
Within these areas, the use of drones, racing drones, kites, balloons, sky lanterns and any other unauthorized airborne objects that may endanger flight safety will be strictly prohibited.