Thousands of People Gather in Southern China as Rioters Clash With Police

Source: bloomberg

Thousands of people gathered in southern China’s Guizhou province as crowds attacked police officers and burned vehicles following a dispute between a driver and a city management officer.

People rallied in front of the Qianxi county government building at 5 p.m. local time yesterday after the city officer had a confrontation with the driver who had allegedly illegally parked a vehicle, state-run Xinhua News Agency said today, citing the command center of the provincial public security department.

A woman was injured during the dispute, Hexun.com reported today, citing China National Radio, prompting crowds to block roads with trucks and forklifts. People turned over government vehicles and 10 vehicles were smashed and five set alight, the Xinhua report said.

More than 10 police officers and security staff were injured during the clash and 10 suspects who allegedly attacked and burned vehicles were detained, according to Xinhua. The crowds dispersed at 3 a.m. today, it said.

Riots, strikes and protests are increasing as income inequality grows and real estate prices soar. China spent more on domestic security than on national defense last year, according to the Finance Ministry.

Last month, at least 200 protesters in Guizhou province staged a demonstration after a one-legged vendor was beaten to death by local officials following a dispute.

Demonstrators in central Hubei province clashed with police in June after a local councilman died in police custody as he was being questioned over bribery allegations. Armored cars were used to quell protests.