Beijing Aims for Repeat of 'APEC Blue' for Its Military Parade

(Beijing) – The capital's government has started pushing private vehicles and government autos off its roads in an effort to ensure skies are clear for a military parade on September 3, a step that echoes the "APEC blue" phenomenon of late last year.

Starting on August 20, drivers of private vehicles will take turns hitting the road in Beijing and nearby cities depending on whether their license plates end with even or odd numbers. Four-fifths of government vehicles are to be kept off roads each day leading up to the parade, which is intended to mark the 70th anniversary of China's victory in World War II.