Where it took place
| Type | Place |
|---|---|
| Region | Asia |
| Country | China |
Campaign at a glance
In September 2011, approximately 500 Chinese farmers and residents in Haining, Zhejiang Province, protested the JinkoSolar plant for polluting local streams and killing fish [source: nv-database]. 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 [source: nv-database].
Tactics used
- nonviolent direct action
- civil-resistance
Background
Since April 2011, the JinkoSolar plant near Haining failed local Environmental Protection Bureau pollution tests [source: nv-database]. In late August and early September 2011, local residents found a large quantity of dead fish in streams and rivers near the plant [source: nv-database]. Farmers sought government investigation into the cause of death of fish and demanded enforcement of environmental regulations at the plant.
What happened
Lead photo. — Wikimedia Commons contributor (CC BY-SA 4.0). Source: chinese-farmers-protest-solar-panel-plant-pollution-haining-2011.jpg
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
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