China detains military chief

DONGZHOU, China — China's government Sunday announced the detention of a commander whose forces opened fire on villagers protesting land seizures, trying to defuse anger over what could be the deadliest use of force since the killings around Tiananmen Square in 1989.

The government said three people were killed in the Dec. 6 violence over compensation for land in this coastal village northeast of Hong Kong. Witnesses put the death toll as high as 20.

The commander's "wrong actions" were to blame for the deaths, said a statement issued by the government of Guangdong province, where Dongzhou is located. It did not give his name or say what his actions were.

Suspects in China are often detained for questioning and further investigation before police decide whether to arrest them formally and file charges.

If the higher toll is confirmed, it would be the deadliest assault by Chinese security forces on civilians since the military killed protesters around Tiananmen Square in Beijing.

The government earlier defended the shootings, saying police opened fire after protesters, led by three men, armed themselves with knives, spears and dynamite and attacked a power plant before turning on authorities.

But the detention of the commander — and the announcement — is almost unprecedented for the communist government and suggested Chinese leaders were trying to mollify angry villagers. The government also promised to resolve local grievances over land seizures and said medical specialists were sent to Dongzhou to treat the wounded.

Clashes have become more violent and more frequent as rural tensions rise over seizures of land for use in building power plants, shopping malls and other projects. Farmers often complain they are paid too little, and local officials sometimes are accused of stealing compensation money.

On Sunday, red-and-white government banners hung at the entrance of Dongzhou, saying, "Following the law is the responsibility and obligation of the people."

Another tried to placate local anger, promising, "The people's government will always support the people of Dongzhou."

Villagers said the banners were put up the night of shootings after authorities tore down and burned ones hung by residents dissatisfied with compensation for land used to build the coal-fired power plant.

"The banners by the people used to be everywhere," said a woman who would give only her surname, Luo. "They were pleading for an investigation by the central government."

One farmer said he was also concerned about potential air pollution from the facility, which towers over the area's fertile fields of lettuce, mint and banana trees.

The dispute, villagers said, had been simmering for more than a year.