News Summary: China to require project reviews

The Associated Press

INDUSTRY REVIEWS: The Chinese government will require that future industrial projects include assessments of their risk to social stability. The government will also increase transparency and public involvement in decisions regarding large projects with potential environmental impact.

BACKGROUND: Pollution has become a major cause of unrest in China as members of the rising middle class become more outspoken against environmentally risky projects near them.

PROTESTS: There have been several large protests around the country over pollution, with some turning violent or leading to projects being scrapped. Still, some projects were restarted once the outrage died down.