Gov't Move to Demolish Magazine Kiosks Is Bad News

Recent media reports about the demolition of newsstands in Beijing have stirred the public. Seventy-two newsstands on the streets in the capital's Chaoyang District were removed by the chengguan, or urban management officers.

While the chengguan officers say the newsstands violated urban construction rules, vendors complain they have never received formal notices or explanations for the demolitions. Many residents say the demolitions have led to difficulties buying newspapers.