I was through PEK security last Saturday morning just as the news broke on the missing Malaysia flight. In my opinion, the security was quite thorough. All passengers set off the metal detector as the sensitivity was set very low. All were thoroughly checked with a hand held wand. All computers had to come out of bags and were sent through separately and there was a very vigilant check for both water bottles, liquids and lighters. I could see them regularly emptying bins full of bottles, toothpaste, deodorant, cosmetics, etc..
This sounds like a normal day at PEK to me. The metal detectors, as stated, are the biggest pain since it really slows the security queue down.
However, we're flying on a family holiday on Friday, and the OP sufficiently 'spooked' me that we've booked our cab a little earlier than I would normally, painfully early as it is.
tb