China's Internet users exert growing influence on policy

• Source: Global Times
• [19:35 December 30 2009]
• Comments

Internet user: Li Gen

Li Gen, a reporter from hncnn.com is called the “people's reporter” because he posted a story of a woman named Tang Fuzhen who set herself on fire to protest against the local government in his blog. His report sparked heated discussion among Internet users.

The Tang Fuzhen self-immolation incident happened in Chengdu, Sichuan Province on November 13. She fought with the demolition crew and government authorities in an effort to save her ex-husband's building. In the end she lost and set herself on fire and died. The incident triggered a debate on "forced demolitions" across China.

After Li put the story on the Internet, many media reposted the story on their websites. Li's posting attracted experts' attention and five professors from Peking University asked the central government for an amendment of the Chinese removal regulation.