A 700-year-old village in Shenzhen is being redeveloped, which has led to a conflict between residents and the developer. The villagers are struggling with their last breath to protect their home.
I strongly disagree with the redevelopment and, if I were one of them, I would struggle until the last moment, too, rather than accepting millions of yuan in compensation. The money means nothing to the villagers when their homes are being demolished.
The redevelopment will destroy the original culture and features of the village. It is not common that a village can exist for 700 years. The villagers have become accustomed to their way of life. I think redeveloping equals destruction in this case.
The government should carefully consider such decisions. The villagers have an absolute right to protect their homes. Neither compensation nor violence would resolve it.
Chan Lok-yan, Aberdeen Baptist Lui Ming Choi College
From the Editor