Paraxylene (PX)

Paraxylene (PX) is a chemical essential to the process of manufacturing plastic bottles and polyester clothing which is dangerous if inhaled or if absorbed through skin, causing different degrees of damage to abdominal organs and the nervous system. China is the world’s largest PX producer and consumer as of 2010. Safety concerns over PX factories have prompted environmental protests in China.

PROTEST

Kunming residents rally against chemical plant

4 May 2013

Hundreds protested in Kunming, Yunnan province, but a march in Chengdu, Sichuan province, was prevented by police. The rallies were timed to coincide with the anniversary of the May 4 student...

5:24AM

Far Eastern looks west for growth

18 Apr 2013

Taiwanese conglomerate Far Eastern Group is eyeing the development of petrochemical plants in the United States, fuelled by cheap energy as the US exploits its shale gas reserves, company's...

5:33AM

Protests over industrial projects a challenge for China

31 Oct 2012

Mainlanders are increasingly taking to the streets in protest over industrial development, a phenomenon analysts say is a serious challenge for local officials. In the latest case, big...

12:14PM

Fifty detained in China pollution protests

30 Oct 2012

China’s eastern city of Ningbo detained more than 50 people over violent protests last week that successfully blocked a planned chemical plant, state media said on Tuesday.

8:54PM

Ningbo residents doubt pledge to halt chemical plant expansion

30 Oct 2012

Ningbo residents reacted warily yesterday to the city government's decision to halt the expansion of a Sinopec petrochemical complex, with hundreds of people continuing to protest.

Experts...

2:25PM