From Reuters: “Beijing – A scuffle between street performers and officials trying to shoo them away sparked a riot in southern China at the weekend involving more than 1 000 people, officials and a US broadcaster said.
In the north, two police officers were killed at the weekend when about 200 construction workers sought the release of colleagues in detention.
The unrelated incidents, about 2 000km apart, were the latest in a string of riots and violent protests in China against perceived abuses of power by police and bureaucrats.
A widening wealth gap and rampant corruption have also fuelled a growing number of demonstrations by the disgruntled and disenfranchised – a challenge that analysts say has leaders in the ruling Communist Party biting their fingernails. ”
