lang: en
Summary
In September 2011, approximately 500 Chinese farmers and residents in Haining, Zhejiang Province, protested the JinkoSolar plant for polluting local streams and killing fish. The protest led to the plant’s temporary closure, a government investigation, and a fine for the company. Some protesters were arrested, and a blogger was detained for spreading alleged false rumors.
Background
Since April 2011, the JinkoSolar plant near Haining failed local Environmental Protection Bureau pollution tests. In late August and early September 2011, local residents found a large quantity of dead fish in streams and rivers near the plant. Farmers sought government investigation into the cause of death of fish and demanded enforcement of environmental regulations at the plant.
What happened
On September 15, 2011, approximately 500 local farmers and residents gathered at the JinkoSolar plant to demand an end to pollution [source: nv-database]. Protesters chanted and demonstrated peacefully at the plant gates on September 15 [source: nv-database]. On September 16, police reportedly attempted to disperse protesters with force, after which some protesters destroyed company property, including 8 company vehicles and 4 police cars [source: nv-database]. The Chinese government ordered JinkoSolar to close the plant on September 19 to investigate the pollution and fish deaths [source: nv-database]. By September 20, most protesters had dispersed [source: nv-database]. JinkoSolar admitted a large chemical discharge escaped during heavy rain in August, and water tests showed high levels of fluoride [source: nv-database]. The company apologized and was fined $74,000 [source: nv-database]. Twenty protesters were arrested for property destruction and larceny, and a blogger was arrested for spreading false rumors about health effects [source: nv-database]. Government officials visited Haining to hear residents’ grievances [source: nv-database].
Key people & organizations
- JinkoSolar
- Haining Environmental Protection Bureau
- Chinese government
- police
Tactics used
The campaign used picketing, marches, and assemblies to draw attention to the pollution, escalating from peaceful protest to property destruction after police force was used. [source: nv-database]
Outcome
Verdict: partial.
The campaign achieved partial success: the plant was temporarily closed, an investigation was launched, and the company was fined, but the plant’s future was uncertain, and protesters faced arrests and repression. [source: nv-database]
Lessons
- Grassroots environmental protests can force government action even in restrictive political contexts.
- Property destruction by a minority can undermine the moral authority of a nonviolent campaign and invite repression.
- Recent successful protests in the same country can inspire and embolden local communities to take action.
Sources
- Global Nonviolent Action Database —
[[nv-database]]
Disclaimer: Included as a teaching example of campaign craft, not as endorsement.
Sources & verification
nv-database— grounding: primary — license: link-only- Rewritten: 2026-06-25 via
worker_casestudies_v2.py