The uprising over factory pollution in the village of Huaxi I posted about in mid-June was not an isolated incident. The month has also seen pollution-related uprisings in the village of Jianxia (over toxic waste from a battery factory) and in the Cangnan County region (over a power plant). An uprising in April in the village of Huankantou was also pollution-linked, although the proximate trigger was the death of two elderly protesters.
If the smog-filled skies, poisoned lakes and spiraling fuel costs don't convince the Chinese government that they need to change direction fast, perhaps these villagers -- and millions more like them -- can.
Comments (1)
The Chinese government has demonstrated a consistent ability to endure criticism from the Chinese people without much response. It's striking, though, that these protests are happening despite that, and happening in rural areas...
Posted by Emily Gertz | July 1, 2005 6:27 AM
Posted on July 1, 2005 06:27