China tolerates news of public dissent over polluted water

BEIJING – Residents of Xingquan, a small community in southwest China, rioted against workers of a cement factory. Rioters claimed the factory was polluting their waters, reported Reuters. After being shut down for pollution elsewhere, Gaoyuan Building Materials Company allegedly moved tainted equipment nearer the rioters’ village.

Although over 300 people participated in the riot, the Chinese government did not suppress news of the event. According to Reuters, Chinese officials are handling such dissent with increased care as the Olympic spotlight warms up.

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Source: Reuters