China cancels waste project after protests turn violent
Source: Reuters
China cancels waste project after protests turn violent
By John Ruwitch
QIDONG, China | Sat Jul 28, 2012 8:56am EDT
(Reuters) - Chinese officials canceled an industrial waste pipeline project on Saturday after anti-pollution demonstrators occupied a government office in eastern China, destroying computers and overturning cars.
The demonstration was the latest in a string of protests sparked by fears of environmental degradation and highlights the social tensions the government in Beijing faces as it approaches a leadership transition this year.
It was also the second cancellation of an industrial project this month, as officials buckle under pressure from protests.
Zhang Guohua, city mayor of the eastern China city of Nantong, said in a statement the city would terminate the planned pipeline that would have emptied waste water from a Japanese-owned paper factory into the sea near Qidong.
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Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/07/28/us-china-environment-protest-idUSBRE86R02Y20120728
