The Chinese city of Wukan, about 13,000 citizens, has rebelled against communist party corruption and chased long time party officials from the town. As a consequence it has been surrounded by Chinese police with troop carriers and armoured trucks for a week. One of the leaders of the revolt has died in Police custody.

The rebellion began as party officials attempted to acquire land the villagers claim to own. The land was to be developed by upper level party officials who offered nil or scant compensation to those farmers who claimed ownership of the land. The NY Times reports-

“We will defend our farmland to the death!” a handmade banner proclaims, referring to a possible land deal they fear will strip them of almost all their farmland. “Is it a crime,” another muses, “to ask for the return of our land and for democracy and transparency?”

The land deal inspiring the protests involved one of China’s largest property developers, a Hong-Kong listed company called Country Garden that prides itself on fast-paced construction in mostly suburban areas. Yang Huiyuan, described by analysts as the company’s chairwoman, is often listed as one of the richest women in China. (Note: Wonder if Jenny Shipley knows her)

Keep an eye on Wukan. It could be the start of something big in China, or more likely, the seige will be ended by force of arms. That’s how the “law” works in corrupt totalitarian communist countries ruled by gun wielding Army Generals.

Revolt Begins Like Others, but Its End Is Less Certain