'Flying objects' restricted for G20 Summit

With the approach of the G20 Summit in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, authorities have imposed rules to manage small aircraft and "flying objects"－including unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones.

The gathering, for the governments and central bank governors of 20 major world economies, will be held in Hangzhou on Sept 4 and 5.

It has been held twice a year since 2000 and is designed to enhance international economic cooperation and decision-making.

Provincial and city-level governments are authorized to impose temporary measures against small aircraft and other flying objects, under a directive by the Standing Committee of the Provincial People's Congress, the province's top legislative body.

The Zhejiang Public Security Department said aircraft subject to the measures are those that either fly slow or at very low altitude, or that are difficult for radar to spot.

In some areas, small aircraft and other objects are totally banned during the summit period. Those areas include all cities, townships and districts under administration of Hangzhou, apart from the city of Jiande and the county of Chun'an.

They also include some districts and townships in a number of other cities, including Huzhou and Shaoxing.

Police authorities in the province will work with the departments of civil aviation, meteorology and sports affairs to have aircraft registered. The police are also authorized to seize and hold small aircraft. Owners must provide information about their aircraft.

The practice of restricting flight is not a novelty in China. Similar temporary controls were imposed in Beijing in March, when police banned low-flying aircraft at sports and entertainment events, as well as banner advertisements towed behind small aircraft, in the city from March 1-16, when the annual two sessions of the top legislature and political advisory body were held.

A notice issued by the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau said such activities were allowed if approved by the city's air traffic control department. Individuals and organizations found in violation were subject to punishment.

Members of the public in Beijing were asked to report any low-flying aircraft in the city.