The deployment of thousands of riot police armed with tear gas and shotguns appeared to have restored order to this southern Chinese town after days of severe rioting, but both migrant workers and a government think tank warned unrest could flare again if leaders fail to address migrants' concerns. Violent protests in urban areas over the last three weeks have challenged the Communist Party's ability to control society without resorting to brute force.
The massive show of force appeared to have quelled the rioting, which began in the Xintang district on Friday night after security guards pushed to the ground a pregnant migrant street vendor from the western province of Sichuan as they tried to move her food stall off the street.
Official statistics show that anti-government protests have been on the rise in China over the past five years, but the simultaneous unrest in several Chinese cities over the last three weeks is unusual, analysts say.
The timing of the disturbances is troubling for the Chinese government, too, as it is in the midst of a sustained crackdown on dissent after online calls for a Mideast-style uprising in China.
The Communist Party is also trying to project an image of stability in the lead-up to the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party on July 1, and a once-a-decade leadership change next year.
For more: Chinese Police Restore Order to Restive Town - WSJ.com
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