Authorities in Beijing have kicked off a campaign to root out illegal activities around Tiananmen Square, in the countdown to the upcoming 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

According to the Xinhua News Agency, the capital launched on Monday a joint enforcement campaign, which is being headed by the Beijing Municipal Bureau of City Administration and Law Enforcement. Together with departments such as the public security bureau and traffic management authorities, the bureau will not permit unlicensed vendors, illegal taxis nor tour guides in the area.

Xinhua reported that the joint enforcement task force will divide the area into sections.

Three urban management officers or chengguan, one traffic police officer, two public security officers and six security guards will be assigned to each of the sections.

The report didn't specify how many sections were being created nor did it say what the size of each section might be.

The Beijing Municipal Bureau of City Administration and Law Enforcement didn't reply to a request for information when contacted by the Global Times on Tuesday.

A police officer who was on duty at Tiananmen Tuesday afternoon confirmed to the Global Times that the public security bureau has participated in the campaign.

A Global Times reporter found Tuesday a few vendors can still be spotted hiding in the crowd in front of Tiananmen. They were selling souvenirs, overnight accommodation and one-day tours to the Great Wall.

"I have to pretend to be one of the tourists," a vendor surnamed Ji, who was selling maps and souvenirs, told the Global Times.

A sanitation worker surnamed Sheng told the Global Times there are now fewer vendors operating in the area.

"The remaining vendors, who used to hawk their wares by shouting at the tourists, are more careful now," Sheng said on Tuesday.

The campaign at Tiananmen is only one of the security measures being taken in Beijing before the 18th National Congress of the CPC.

The Beijing Daily reported the management committee of Tiananmen met in late July to ensure the security and stability of the area.

Meanwhile, the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau last week set up a security headquarters for the 18th National Congress of the CPC, reported the Legal Daily.

The head of the bureau, Fu Zhenghua, asked local police to "reinforce their fighting strength to create a harmonious and stable social environment for the national congress."

The 18th National Congress of the CPC will be held in the later half of this year.