Following my posts on the recent process in Xiamen, Tang Hao has written a piece at China Dialogue entitled Xiamen PX: A Turning Point? where he states:

The halting of a controversial petrochemical project in south China was a victory for people power, writes Tang Hao. Now the country should consider the reforms it needs to enshrine public participation in law.

Something I agree with, and as shown through Xiamen in December and in Shanghai this past week, I would say that while things are certainly on the right track for healthy public participation… we should not expect a law anytime soon.

To be fair, activism in China does not have a good history, and so while I am encouraged by the recent events in Xiamen and Shanghai, I also recognize that there are many who are still nervous about opening this up too wide.

A very interesting piece that I suggest you read.