The 2010 World Expo is about to open in Shanghai in what China hopes will be further proof of its rising global influence.
More than 180 countries and international organisations are showcasing their culture in an event themed around sustainable development.
Many are doing in so in pavilions with radical architecture.
World leaders, including France's President Sarkozy, are attending the opening ceremony.
The city has increased security measures drastically in preparation for the event.
An additional 8,000 police officers have been brought in to help Shanghai's 46,000-strong police force to patrol the city, Chinese state media says.
'Oppressive' security
Residents living near the Expo site have complained about oppressive security measures.
"It's just not convenient to get in and out any more," Dong, a local resident, was quoted as saying by the Associated Press news agency.
Markets have been closed down to build Expo car parks, he added.
Six people who protested about having their homes destroyed to make room for the Expo have been sent to labour camps, the Hong-Kong based Chinese Human Rights Defenders were quoted as saying by AP.
Last week police seized four computers belonging to activist Feng Zhenghu, who had been trying to set up an alternative online Expo, highlighting alleged miscarriages of justice, the BBC's Chris Hogg in Shanghai says.
The Expo is seen as an opportunity for countries to try to win favour with the Chinese, our correspondent adds.
Speaking at a press conference in Beijing on Thursday, President Sarkozy - whose relationship with China has been testy after he criticized a Chinese security crackdown in Tibet in 2008 - said France and China would "think and work together".
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