In another sign of the growing power of popular protest in China, the mayor of Shanghai announced that the expansion of the Maglev train line will not be pursued, at least in the immediate future, following widespread middle class protests. From the Financial Times:
Mr Han said Beijing had yet to approve the extension and that the city was still consulting experts about possible health risks from maglev technology.
His conciliatory comments reflect official concern about the heated emotions the proposed new line has stirred among the well-to-do residents of one of Shanghai’s suburbs. .
