Xi’s eyes and ears: Army of red-armband ‘cadres’

While Chinese President Xi Jinping and his cohorts chart the nation’s future at their leadership conclave in Beijing, his citizen Army of red-armbanded foot soldiers are keeping an eye out for trouble outside.

Stationed on street corners, in front of shops and outside bars, civilians with armbands labelled “Public Security Volunteer” have deployed across the capital as the Communist Party holds its crucial five-yearly gathering.

The formalised neighbourhood watch patrols come out in full force during special events like the congress, which is being held mostly behind closed doors and will likely hand Xi a second five-year term when it ends on Tuesday.

The civilians are just one piece of the comprehensive security apparatus for the conclave: from blackuniformed guards who stand sentry on pavements to identification checks at subway stations.

While they see themselves as providers of a public service, their presence is a reminder of the scrutiny that the communist authorities maintain over citizens.

“We’re in the business of improving people’s quality of life,” said Ma Shuying, a 60-year-old party member who was patrolling the area underneath a bridge in Beijing’s city centre.

Mr Ma arrived at her spot at 7:00 am on the opening day of the congress on Wednesday, ready to look out for trouble. In her 17 years as a member of the patrol, Mr Ma has witnessed few incidents, she said, because “Beijing is so safe.”

“We’re more here to give community members a sense of security,” she beamed, undeterred by the grey smog and light rain.

“People see us and feel that they’re being taken care of. And when government officials see us during important political events, they know that we’re supporting their work.”

There are 850,000 registered public security volunteers in Beijing, the city announced this summer, organising under neighbourhood tags like the “Fengtai Persuaders,” the “Chaoyang Masses” and the “Xicheng Dama.”