Xinhua reports that the planned demolition of Beijing’s historic Dongsi Batiao neighborhood has been put on hold (though not definitively cancelled) following public protests:
The controversial demolition of houses at Dongsi Batiao, an ancient alley of courtyard homes in downtown Beijing, has been suspended, an official with Dongcheng District government has confirmed.
Suspending demolition, however, doesn’t mean the redevelopment project has been terminated, the official said.
The official said the demolition office would continue negotiating with local residents over the amount of compensation they will receive. [Full text]
