China's tale of two cities: Beijing, Hong Kong prepare for anniversary

BEIJING/HONG KONG - As China prepares to mark the 70th anniversary of the People's Republic on Oct 1, Beijing is on security lockdown ahead of celebrations headlined by President Xi Jinping that will be capped by a massive military parade down its main ceremonial thoroughfare.

Some protesters have said they plan to seize the holiday to propel their calls for greater democracy on to the international stage and embarrass Hong Kong's political masters. Activists plan a mass rally from Victoria Park in the bustling Causeway Bay district to Chater Garden near government headquarters.

In an arrangement similar to that on July 1 for the anniversary of the city's handover from Britain to China - when protesters ransacked the legislature - guests attending the traditional flag-raising ceremony have been told they will be moved indoors. On recent weekends in the Chinese capital, spruced up with red flags and bright landscaping, shops in the city centre have been closed, curtains ordered shut and streets closed for rehearsals featuring military vehicles rumbling towards Tiananmen Square and fighter jets screaming across the sky.

Some Virtual Private Networks , which allow Internet users to bypass China's Great Firewall, have seen increasing disruption, some users say on social media, which is often the case ahead of sensitive dates. The Cyberspace Administration of China did not respond to a request for comment.

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