Party chief vows to crack down but excessive measures will be avoided

Dongguan authorities have vowed to clamp down on prostitution, but said excessive measures and blanket closures would be avoided.

Party chief Liu Zhigeng, who is under huge pressure after Beijing voiced concerns, promised a high-profile crackdown after central government inspectors threatened to give the city the worst possible crime rating.

While reiterating that Dongguan had to rid itself of its reputation as the sex capital of China, Liu said police and officials should not simply wipe out all entertainment venues.

'Township governments should be aware of the limits of the crackdown. They should not overdo things and seize every venue and club,' he was quoted as saying by the Southern Metropolis News yesterday.

Meanwhile, mayor Li Yuquan said Dongguan's reputation as a centre for vice and drugs was a public illusion. 'Many people believe Dongguan has a huge number of prostitutes and drug traffickers. That's a misconception,' Li said.

'People see so many luxury hotels in Dongguan and think most provide sexual services. That is incorrect. Also, Dongguan has a large floating population, and information is exchanged at a faster rate than in other places. Many criminal cases have been exaggerated by the public.'