Today in Beijing, I investigated the #chinacoup so you don’t have to. At considerable personal risk, I ventured out to some neuralgic key points in the city. Disturbing finds. Brace yourselves. /1
This is Xinhua Gate, the main entrance to the Zhongnanhai compound, where the entire central leadership resides and works, including Xi Jinping.
Elite paratroopers have wrested control over the gate, cunningly disguised as the five middle-aged dudes who always stand there. /2
Nearby Tian’anmen Square swarms with thugs in plainclothes. I’ve been in China long enough to know these are not tourists. /3
Rebels in army fatigues guard the headquarters of the State Grid, controlling electricity supply in the capital. /4
The Second Ring Road close to the Foreign Ministry.
One of Beijing’s main thoroughfares, it has been closed off to civilian traffic. A column of military vehicles stretches about 80 kilometers from here to some place in Hebei. /5
In front of the Central Station, holdouts from army units loyal to Xi have dug themselves in, guarding that crucial railway hub from their positions fortified with sandbags. /6
Alas, hope is dim. Coup reinforcements arrive in armored personnel carriers.
Send us your thoughts and prayers. /end
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