Protest over petrochemical plant stymied in central Shanghai, China's financial hub

Authorities in China's financial hub Shanghai are trying to prevent an environmental protest outside the city government by deploying heavy police force and hauling away demonstrators.

More Chinese are taking to the streets to oppose petrochemical projects that they believe are harmful.

In this latest case, thousands of residents in the Shanghai suburban district of Jinshan have been protesting outside the district government this week following a rumor that a petrochemical plant could move into their neighborhood. Shanghai authorities have dismissed it as untrue.

Still skeptical, the residents planned to protest outside the municipal government in central Shanghai on Saturday, but the venue has been heavily guarded by police.

At least two protesters have been detained and more are being sent back home.