Demonstrators defy officials over p-Xylene plans
Scuffles broke out in Xiamen yesterday when thousands of people took to the streets to protest against a planned toxic chemical plant, defying calls by city officials for them to stay away.
Wearing yellow armbands, and carrying red banners and protest placards, the demonstrators began gathering outside city government headquarters on Hubin Road at 7am. Eyewitnesses said several early arrivals were dragged away by police, but Xiamen police refused to confirm any arrests.
Sometimes singing the national anthem, demonstrators shouted slogans: 'Down with PX! Preserve Xiamen!' and 'Stop the plant, don't postpone it!'
Tension has been rising in Xiamen for the past few weeks over plans to build the 11-billion-yuan factory producing the chemical p-Xylene - which local residents have dubbed PX - in the suburb of Haicang, just 7km from the city centre, and around 3km from new schools and large housing complexes.
P-Xylene is a widely used but toxic chemical used to produce solvents, paints, varnishes and plastics. In small amounts, it causes skin irritation, breathing difficulties and headaches. In large quantities, it causes liver and kidney damage, and may cause cancer.