Written by Li Datong (李大同), former editor of Bingdian (Freezing Point), from openDemocracy:
constant feature of the extraordinary social flux of contemporary China is the occurrence of serious clashes between the public and the police. A few examples from May-July 2008 indicate the extent and variety of this phenomenon:
* on 26 May, police in Chengdu arrested people who witnessed them attempting to steal tents meant for earthquake-relief work; this sparked a confrontation between members of the public and the police
* on 28 June, over 10,000 people attacked government and party buildings and set fire to a police station in Weng’an county, Guizhou province; this action was related to a belief that a local high-school girl had been raped and killed by people with links to the government
