When the world gets closer.

We help you see farther.

Sign up to our expressly international daily newsletter.

Already a subscriber? Log in.

You've reach your limit of free articles.

Get unlimited access to Worldcrunch

You can cancel anytime.

SUBSCRIBERS BENEFITS

Ad-free experience NEW

Exclusive international news coverage

Access to Worldcrunch archives

Monthly Access

30-day free trial, then $2.90 per month.

Annual Access BEST VALUE

$19.90 per year, save $14.90 compared to monthly billing.save $14.90.

Subscribe to Worldcrunch
China

When Demolition Men Come To Force Chinese Martial Arts Family From Home

YANZHAO URBAN DAILY (China), NEW TANG DYNASTY TELEVISION (US)

Worldcrunch

BAZHOU - In this small northern Chinese village, seven strangers, all dressed in black, arrived on a mission. They would force a family out of their own house, and then swiftly demolish it.

It was one of the few houses still occupied on a street where other houses have been demolished by force to make way for a new construction project. But this time, the not-so-magnificant seven didn’t manage to complete their mission, nor even get started. You see, the owner of this particular house happens to be a martial arts teacher.

The Yanzhao Urban Daily reports this encouraging tale that stands out amongst the many cases of families quietly -- and sometime, brutally -- forced from their homes to make way for new projects in a booming China.

Mr. Shen, the homeowner, runs a business teaching wushu, a Chinese martial arts. His wife and son have also learned this fighting skill from him over the years.

When three of the strong young workers forced their way in, without permission, it was the woman of the house who stopped them in their tracks. It was then that Mr. Shen and his son took over. The first three ended up in a pile on the floor.

Hearing what had happened the other four toughs came running. They soon joined their comrades in a somewhat larger pile on the floor. Mr. Shen, after this brief burst of activity, took time out to catch his breath, while another member of his family recorded the scene on video.

The Bazhou police told Yanzhao Urban Daily that the seven young demolition personnel suffered only minor injuries. They also said that a report of the fighting has been made, but they haven’t enough evidence to prove whether the cause of the incident is due to an illegal invasion on the demolition agents’ part or because of an excessive reaction by the Shen family.

In China’s rapid economic development, conflicts between inhabitants and local authorities which implement compulsory purchase and relocation are frequent and widespread in every corner of the country. Forced from their homes, very often by thugs hired to enforce the action, a lot of Chinese have turned to violence and to suicide to express their utmost protest.


[rebelmouse-image 27086066 alt="""" original_size="800x533" expand=1] Three Gorges Dam one of the projects that displaced many Chinese (Christoph Filnkößl)

You've reached your limit of free articles.

To read the full story, start your free trial today.

Get unlimited access. Cancel anytime.

Exclusive coverage from the world's top sources, in English for the first time.

Insights from the widest range of perspectives, languages and countries.

Green

Moose In Our Midst: How Poland's Wildlife Preservation Worked A Bit Too Well

Wild moose have been spotted on Polish beaches and even near cities. They're a rare example of successful conservation efforts, but they're increasingly coming into contact with people.

Photo of a moose crossing a road

Moose seen in Poland

Joanna Wisniowska

GDANSK — Images of wild moose roaming the streets and beaches of Poland’s Baltic coast have been cropping up online more frequently. What should someone do if they encounter one? According to Mateusz Ciechanowski, a biologist at the University of Gdansk, the best option is to leave them alone.

“This is the result of the consistent protection that has been provided to this species of moose,” said Ciechanowski. “As the numbers increase, so does the animals’ range”.

Various media outlets have been publishing reports about spotted wild moose in the cities of Gdansk, Gdynia, and Sopot with increasing frequency. Perhaps more surprising is that these moose have been seen on beaches as well.

Centuries ago, moose could be found all over the European continent. But, like the European bison, they were often hunted for their value as an attractive game animal.

Aside from population declines due to hunting, the drainage of European wetlands also decreased the number of viable moose habitats. The animals, which prefer marshy areas, dwindled without the proper natural environment to flourish in.

Keep reading...Show less

You've reached your limit of free articles.

To read the full story, start your free trial today.

Get unlimited access. Cancel anytime.

Exclusive coverage from the world's top sources, in English for the first time.

Insights from the widest range of perspectives, languages and countries.

Already a subscriber? Log in.

You've reach your limit of free articles.

Get unlimited access to Worldcrunch

You can cancel anytime.

SUBSCRIBERS BENEFITS

Ad-free experience NEW

Exclusive international news coverage

Access to Worldcrunch archives

Monthly Access

30-day free trial, then $2.90 per month.

Annual Access BEST VALUE

$19.90 per year, save $14.90 compared to monthly billing.save $14.90.

Subscribe to Worldcrunch

The latest