Representative Christopher H. Smith, Chair
Senator Jeff Merkley, Cochair
New York Times Examines Property Seizures in China
December 16, 2004
In an extensive front-page report, the New York Times (registration required) tells the story of farmers in Sanchawan, Shaanxi as they protested the seizure of their land by the nearby city of Yulin. The Sanchawan dispute erupted into a violent confrontation between farmers and police in early October. Although the piece does not provide significant new insights, it is a useful review of major land requisition and related access to justice issues and an interesting account of the Sanchawan affair. The report is accompanied by a shorter inset on rural property rights in China.