China: Veterans protest in Zhenjiang June 24

Event

Thousands of veterans of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) reportedly held a five-day protest in Zhenjiang (Jiangsu province) which ended on Saturday, June 23. According to local reports, between 2000-3000 veterans participated in the demonstration before police officers arrived to disperse the crowd. Clashes between security force and protesters broke out and reportedly continued into Monday, June 25. It is unclear how many people were wounded in the fighting. According to media reports, as of June 25, telecommunication services were cut in the city and a significant security operation was launched to clear the demonstrators from the area. Associated protests by other veteran groups were also reportedly held in other provinces across the country. Further demonstrations are possible in the coming days and weeks.

Context

he veterans are demanding that the government provide certain benefits, including pensions and healthcare, that they were promised but have not yet received. Similar demonstrations broke out in October 2016, when thousands of demobilized PLA members rallied in Beijing.

Advice

Individuals in Zhenjiang, and China more generally, are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all demonstrations as a precaution, and obey all instructions issued by the local authorities.